Is New York City or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than New York City (Safety Score 89/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 81% lower. New York City has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 290.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City, NY
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New York City | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,039.7 | 584.0 | +2,455.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 671.4 | 174.9 | +496.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 0.0 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 56.0 | -32.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.5 | 7.0 | +180.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.2 | 111.9 | +344.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,368.3 | 409.2 | +1,959.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.7 | 45.5 | +109.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,015.0 | 293.8 | +1,721.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.5 | 69.9 | +128.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New York City has a violent crime rate of 671.4 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield has lower violent crime.
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.
About Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.