Is Burlington or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than New York City (Safety Score 44/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 38% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 306.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 3,039.7 | -1,152.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 671.4 | -446.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 23.4 | -1.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 187.5 | -172.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 456.2 | -268.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 2,368.3 | -705.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 154.7 | -58.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 2,015.0 | -496.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 198.5 | -150.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or New York City safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 per 100,000 residents.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.