Boston’s charm is undeniable, but do the safety statistics keep pace with its reputation? Let’s find out.
Whether you’re planning a visit to Boston or considering relocating for better opportunities, we’ve done the hard work for you!
We’ve conducted comprehensive research using reliable sources to provide you with the latest 2024 statistics. By reviewing data from the Boston Police Department, FBI reports, insights from legal professionals, and input from residents, we’ve identified the city’s safest neighborhoods and compiled actionable tips to help you confidently navigate Boston as a secure and vibrant destination.
From its iconic neighborhoods to its bustling streets, Boston has layers—each with its own safety profile. So, how safe is it really this year?
Crime index Boston 2024:
When it comes to Boston’s crime landscape, here’s the scoop: Property crimes—like burglary, theft, and vandalism—are stealing the show, making up a hefty 75% of all reported crimes (that’s 12,750 out of 17,043 incidents).
Meanwhile, violent crimes, such as assault, robbery, and homicide, sit at 25%—not as common, but definitely worth noting.
What Does This Mean for You?
For every 1,000 Bostonians:
- 6.6 might fall victim to violent crime.
- Nearly 20 could experience a property crime.
With a total crime rate of 26.19 per 1,000 residents, about 2.6% of Boston’s population faces the potential of encountering crime annually.
Boston safety map:
Northern Boston:
Northern Boston, which includes neighborhoods like Charlestown and parts of East Boston, has a relatively moderate crime rate.
It’s generally safe, though, like in any urban area, certain pockets may experience occasional property crime or isolated incidents.
Areas like the North End, however, are bustling with tourists and are known for their charm and safety, making them perfect for a day of exploration.
Southern Boston:
Southern Boston covers neighborhoods like South Boston, Dorchester, and Roxbury, and it’s here that you’ll find a mix of safety levels.
South Boston, particularly around its waterfront and touristy areas, is usually safe and inviting. However, parts of Dorchester and Roxbury are known to have higher crime rates, especially violent crime, so it’s wise for tourists to stay cautious in these areas, particularly after dark.
Eastern Boston:
The eastern part of Boston, including East Boston and the Seaport District, is mostly safe for visitors.
The Seaport is a rapidly growing area with plenty of attractions, shops, and businesses, which make it a hotspot for both tourists and locals.
While East Boston does have areas with moderate crime, it’s not typically a major concern as long as visitors stick to well-populated, well-lit areas.
Western Boston:
The western neighborhoods, like Allston and Brighton, tend to have lower crime rates. These areas are popular with students and young professionals, creating a vibrant and relatively safe atmosphere.
With attractions like Fenway Park, these neighborhoods are great for tourists, but like any city, it’s always good practice to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly when venturing off the beaten path.
While the city’s crime numbers tell a mixed story, they also reveal a clear opportunity: understanding the risks can help you navigate life here with confidence. Let’s break down how Boston stacks up in terms of safety and what these statistics mean for those who call this city home.
Is Boston safe for residents?
While a Gallup survey reflects public opinion, crime data from MoneyGeek ranks Boston as the 10th safest city in the U.S. and shows it’s safer than Dallas in terms of violent crime.Â
Boston is making headlines in 2024 with a historic drop in homicides—only 24 cases, the lowest since 1957, marking a significant 33% decline compared to last year.Â
Safety elevated for apartment buildings
But let’s not stop there.
While the drop in homicides is worth celebrating, other crime categories are on the rise. Violent and property crimes have increased by 1%, driven by spikes in aggravated assaults, commercial burglaries, and larcenies.
Shoplifting, in particular, has skyrocketed by 30%, drawing attention to retail theft as a growing issue.
Mayor Michelle Wu proudly calls Boston the “safest major city in the country.”
While some experts agree Boston’s safety record is impressive, others point out that the numbers may not make it the absolute safest nationwide.
Your perceptions of safety can vary dramatically depending on where you are in Boston.
According to a report by Boston Guardian: in some downtown neighborhoods, residents have voiced concerns about an uptick in drug-related activities and related crimes, which has created a sense of unease for certain communities.
Is Boston safe for tourists?
For tourists, areas like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End are generally considered safe and are popular destinations.
Public transportation, including buses and subways, is typically safe during the day, though it’s advisable to exercise caution during late-night travel.
You might wonder: Is Boston still safe at midnight? Or maybe: What are the safety concerns of walking around downtown?
Well, let’s ask the locals!
Arlene, who has been living in Boston for five years, says about walking in the streets of Boston at midnight:
It depends on the area. Avoid Northeastern’s campus, Ruggles Train Station, Causeway Street, and the TD Garden area due to crime and safety concerns. SOWA, while artsy, has issues with crime and drugs near Albany Street and Harrison Avenue. Stick to well-lit areas and visit neighborhoods like SOWA during the day.
John, who has been living in Boston since 1996, tells us about his experience of living in Boston:
Boston is one of the safest large U.S. cities, especially in tourist areas. Crime is mostly concentrated in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and East Boston. Nearby Chelsea has a higher crime rate, while towns beyond Route 128, such as Lynn, Lawrence, and Brockton, have more violent crime. Avoid driving if you’re unfamiliar with the city, and think twice before wearing a Yankees cap in a bar!
Is Boston safe for students?
Boston is a vibrant and diverse city that hosts a significant number of international students, making it a popular destination for higher education. In the 2022-2023 academic year, Massachusetts hosted 79,751 international students, ranking it fourth among U.S. states.
Boston University, for example, reports that international students make up about 24.6% of its student body.
Is Boston a safe bet for business?
According to Capital Analytics, Massachusetts was ranked the No. 1 state for business environment by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. This ranking highlights the state’s strong and diverse economy, which supports a favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
While Boston is generally a safe and welcoming city, like any major metropolitan area, it has a few neighborhoods where caution is advised, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Let us guide you through the spots you might want to steer clear of or be extra cautious in.
The most dangerous neighborhoods of Boston ?
Rent Own Sell New York gives its list of the most dangerous areas of Boston:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 100,000 people) | Key Safety Issues | Notable Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattapan | 1,057 | High gang activity, drugs, and shootings | High-crime zones, lack of resources |
| Roxbury | 1,006 | Drugs, gangs, urban decay | – |
| Dorchester | 857 | Violence, property crimes | Blue Hill Avenue, Codman Square, Fields Corner |
| East Boston | 718 | Crime, especially in some parts | Maverick Square, Orient Heights, Eagle Hill |
| South Boston | 617 | Violent crime, particularly at night | Andrew Square, Broadway, Dorchester Heights |
What is the government doing to make Boston safer?
The government in Boston is certainly not sitting idle when it comes to making the city safer. In fact, they’ve been putting a number of proactive measures into action, addressing safety from multiple angles.
One of the most significant initiatives is the 2024 Summer Safety Plan, which focuses on a public health approach to violence prevention. This plan aims to tackle the root causes of violence and create long-term solutions to ensure a safer Boston for everyone.
Beyond the Summer Safety Plan, Boston has been strengthening its efforts with a series of targeted programs that have shown real results. Programs like Operation Ceasefire and the Boston Gun Project have proven successful in reducing violent crime by focusing on the illegal gun trade and targeting repeat offenders.
These initiatives have led to a significant drop in homicides across the city, which is a testament to the effectiveness of the strategies in place.
The Operation Night Light initiative, in particular, focuses on providing greater surveillance and policing during nighttime hours, which helps prevent crime in high-risk areas.
Additionally, tougher laws for youth offenders and the expansion of prevention and intervention programs are working to steer young people away from crime. By addressing youth violence early, the city helps reduce the likelihood of young offenders becoming repeat criminals.
How to stay safer in Boston in 2024?
Proactive detection and swift action by live remote video monitoring are also ways to ensure safer businesses in Boston !
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These criminals are either dealt with by direct voice interventions through on-site speakers or by calling the police or required authorities as per client SOPs.
Read our latest blogs to find out how the residents of Atlanta, Washington D.C., Detroit, Dallas and even the areas around it are staying safer with remote video monitoring!
- Is Dallas safe? Crime rate and safest neighborhoods.
- Is Washington DC safe for tourists and residents? 2024 update.
- Is Detroit Safe? A Comprehensive Look at 2024 Crime Rates.
- Atlanta crime rate stats & safest neighborhoods: 2024 insights.
- Top Safest Cities in North Carolina: Where to Live in 2024.
Key takeaways:Â
- Boston is generally safe, with a significant decline in homicides and safer neighborhoods like Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
- Some areas, such as Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, require caution, particularly at night.
- Proactive government measures and modern security solutions contribute to improving safety across the city.
- Tourists and students can confidently explore Boston by sticking to well-lit, populated areas and avoiding high-crime neighborhoods.
Improve your security with remote video monitoring. With AI-powered CCTV surveillance, you can ensure constant protection for your property, detect potential issues early, and respond swiftly.
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