Is Boston or Webster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Webster is safer than Boston (Safety Score 59/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 46% lower. Boston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Webster has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 36.9x 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
Webster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Webster, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Webster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,437.7 | +1,212.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 637.7 | -9.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 55.9 | -30.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 16.8 | +109.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 565.0 | -92.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 800.0 | +1,221.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 106.3 | +71.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 593.0 | +1,094.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 100.7 | +55.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Webster safer?
Webster is safer with a total crime rate of 1,438 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Webster has 637.7. Boston 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 Webster, MA
Webster, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County, is home to Lake Chaubunagungamaug, known for its exceptionally long name. This small mill town, with a population around 17,000, sits near the Connecticut border. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 17,876, Webster has a total crime rate of 1,437.7 per 100,000 residents.