Is Boston or Yarmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yarmouth is safer than Boston (Safety Score 75/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 972 per 100,000 versus 2,650 for Boston — 63% lower. Boston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Yarmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boston is 25.7x 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
Yarmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Yarmouth, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Yarmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 972.1 | +1,677.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 296.7 | +331.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 0.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 46.9 | -21.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 15.6 | +110.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 234.2 | +238.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 675.4 | +1,346.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 117.1 | +60.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 519.2 | +1,168.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 39.0 | +117.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Yarmouth safer?
Yarmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 972 per 100K vs 2,650 for Boston — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Yarmouth has 296.7. Yarmouth 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 Yarmouth, MA
Yarmouth, a Cape Cod town, is known for its Bass River and sea captain homes. This coastal community experiences a significant influx of seasonal residents, particularly during summer months. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 25,616, Yarmouth has a total crime rate of 972.1 per 100,000 residents.