Is Boston or Westwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westwood is safer than Boston (Safety Score 67/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,190 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 55% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 39.8x 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
Westwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Westwood, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Westwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,190.3 | +1,459.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 42.3 | +585.7 |
| 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 | 42.3 | +429.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,148.0 | +873.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 60.4 | +117.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,051.3 | +636.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 36.3 | +120.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Westwood safer?
Westwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,190 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Westwood has 42.3. Westwood 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 Westwood, MA
Westwood, MA, a affluent suburb southwest of Boston, is known for its excellent public schools. Settled in the 17th century, it was originally part of Dedham before incorporating in 1897. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 16,551, Westwood has a total crime rate of 1,190.3 per 100,000 residents.