Is Boston or Wayland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wayland is safer than Boston (Safety Score 90/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 559 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 79% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wayland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 47.2x 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
Wayland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Wayland, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Wayland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 558.8 | +2,091.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 78.8 | +549.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 0.0 | +25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 0.0 | +126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 78.8 | +393.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 480.0 | +1,541.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 71.6 | +106.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 394.0 | +1,293.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 14.3 | +142.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Wayland safer?
Wayland is safer with a total crime rate of 559 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Wayland has 78.8. Wayland 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 Wayland, MA
Wayland, Massachusetts, a affluent Boston suburb, is home to the historic Grout-Heard House. This Middlesex County town boasts a highly educated population and significant conservation land. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 13,959, Wayland has a total crime rate of 558.8 per 100,000 residents.