Is Boston or Wareham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wareham is safer than Boston (Safety Score 61/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,377 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 48% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wareham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 27.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wareham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Wareham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Wareham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,376.6 | +1,273.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 292.3 | +335.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 21.2 | +4.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 271.1 | +201.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,084.3 | +937.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 173.7 | +4.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 826.0 | +861.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 84.7 | +71.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Wareham safer?
Wareham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,377 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Wareham has 292.3. Wareham has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Wareham, MA
Wareham, "Gateway to Cape Cod," is a coastal town spanning Buzzards Bay. Once a major cranberry producer, it's home to over 23,000 residents, many working in retail and tourism. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 23,609, Wareham has a total crime rate of 1,376.6 per 100,000 residents.