Is Needham or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than New York City (Safety Score 85/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 77% lower. Needham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 253.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Needham, MA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Needham | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 698.6 | 3,039.7 | -2,341.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.9 | 671.4 | -619.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 23.4 | -11.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 187.5 | -187.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.7 | 456.2 | -416.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 646.8 | 2,368.3 | -1,721.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 73.2 | 154.7 | -81.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 536.9 | 2,015.0 | -1,478.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.6 | 198.5 | -161.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Needham or New York City safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Needham has a violent crime rate of 51.9 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Needham has lower violent crime.
About Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 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.