Suffolk County Crime & Safety

Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2384.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

590.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1793.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

#13

of 14 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Suffolk County Mirrors National Crime Trends

Suffolk County’s total crime rate of 2,384.3 per 100K is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.2, indicating it faces more urban challenges than its neighbors.

Facing Greater Challenges Than State Peers

Within Massachusetts, Suffolk has a crime rate nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average of 1,458.6. This places it below the state's average safety score of 97.7.

Urban Density Impacts Regional Comparisons

Suffolk’s rate of 2,384.3 per 100K is the highest among its neighbors, including Norfolk (1,031.4) and Middlesex (1,197.5). High population density in the Boston area contributes to these elevated figures.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is 590.7 per 100K, which is higher than both state and national averages. Property crime is 1,793.6 per 100K, though this actually remains lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Home Security in Suffolk

Because crime rates here align with national averages, robust home security is essential for urban residents. Using smart cameras and alarm systems can effectively deter property-related incidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Suffolk County, MA?

Suffolk County has a total crime rate of 2384.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (590.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1793.6 per 100K).

Is Suffolk County, MA safe?

Suffolk County has a safety score of 15/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #13 out of 14 counties in Massachusetts for safety (1 = safest).

How does Suffolk County crime compare to the Massachusetts average?

Within Massachusetts, Suffolk has a crime rate nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average of 1,458.6. This places it below the state's average safety score of 97.7.

What types of crime are most common in Suffolk County?

Violent crime is 590.7 per 100K, which is higher than both state and national averages. Property crime is 1,793.6 per 100K, though this actually remains lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

How is crime data measured and reported for Suffolk County?

Crime data for Suffolk County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Suffolk County?

Suffolk County has a safety score of 15/100, which is below the Massachusetts average of 40/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.