Is Boston or Woburn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Woburn is safer than Boston (Safety Score 68/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,142 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 57% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Woburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 15.4x 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
Woburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Woburn, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Woburn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 1,142.4 | +1,507.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 215.4 | +412.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 14.1 | +11.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 2.3 | +124.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 199.0 | +273.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 927.1 | +1,094.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 142.8 | +34.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 671.9 | +1,015.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 112.4 | +44.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Woburn safer?
Woburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,142 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Woburn has 215.4. Woburn 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 Woburn, MA
Woburn, a city in Middlesex County, is home to the historic Baldwin House. Situated just north of Boston, it has a diverse population exceeding 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 42,716, Woburn has a total crime rate of 1,142.4 per 100,000 residents.