Is Medford or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than New York City (Safety Score 61/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 55% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 139.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 3,039.7 | -1,660.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 671.4 | -491.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 23.4 | -1.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 187.5 | -164.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 456.2 | -322.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 2,368.3 | -1,168.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 154.7 | -77.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 2,015.0 | -1,008.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 198.5 | -82.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or New York City safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.