Boston’s safety and the state of its neighborhoods can be a concern for residents and visitors alike. Understanding the city’s crime dynamics requires a deep dive into various statistics and reports. Here’s a comprehensive look into the safety of Boston, focusing on its most dangerous neighborhoods in 2024.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Boston (2024)
- Central: With a population of 33,579, Central Boston experiences 137% more crime than the city’s average, with a violent crime rate of 1,468 per 100,000 people.
- Roxbury: Home to 58,696 people, Roxbury has a violent crime rate of 1,162 per 100,000, which is 88% above the city’s average.
- South End: This neighborhood’s population of 33,120 faces a violent crime rate of 864 per 100,000 people, 40% more than Boston’s average.
- Mattapan: With 42,727 residents, Mattapan experiences a violent crime rate of 829 per 100,000 people, 34% higher than the city average.
- South Dorchester: This area, with a population of 68,359, has a violent crime rate of 773 per 100,000, 25% above the Boston average.
- North Dorchester: Smaller in population at 26,430, it has a violent crime rate of 678 per 100,000 people, which is 10% more than the city average.
General Safety in Boston
Boston, rated with a D grade for safety, is safer than only 16% of cities in the United States. This means that 84% of U.S. cities are considered safer than Boston. The overall crime rate in Boston is 25.02 per 1,000 residents in a standard year. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest.
The likelihood of becoming a crime victim in Boston can vary greatly depending on the area, with chances as high as 1 in 20 in central neighborhoods and as low as 1 in 92 in the southwest part.
Crime Rates in Comparison
When looking at the crime statistics more broadly, Boston’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average across communities of all sizes in America. However, it’s noteworthy that Boston’s crime rate is lower than the average for cities of similar population size across the country.
Specifically, the violent crime rate in Boston is among the highest in the nation for communities of all sizes. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Boston is 1 in 166. Meanwhile, the city’s property crime rate stands at 19 per 1,000 residents, suggesting an above-average likelihood of becoming a victim of property crimes like motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary compared to other American communities.
Conclusion
Boston’s crime rates and the relative safety of its neighborhoods paint a mixed picture. While certain areas, particularly in the southwest, are considered relatively safe, some central neighborhoods experience significantly higher crime rates. This information is crucial for residents, city planners, and visitors in understanding the safety landscape of Boston and making informed decisions.