Is Boston or Winchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Winchester is safer than Boston (Safety Score 95/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 400 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 85% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Winchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 28.4x 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
Winchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Winchester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Winchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 400.2 | +2,249.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 17.2 | +610.8 |
| 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 | 17.2 | +455.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 383.0 | +1,638.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 25.8 | +151.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 296.9 | +1,390.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 60.3 | +96.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Winchester safer?
Winchester is safer with a total crime rate of 400 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Winchester has 17.2. Winchester 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 Winchester, MA
Winchester, a affluent Boston suburb, boasts historical architecture like the Sanborn House and a highly educated populace. Situated along the Aberjona River, it offers a blend of natural beauty and suburban amenities. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 23,238, Winchester has a total crime rate of 400.2 per 100,000 residents.