Crime in Boston 2025
Crime in Boston presents a remarkably positive picture of urban safety, with the city experiencing historic lows in violent crime, particularly homicides. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated that when it comes to crime, particularly violent crime: “The city has never been safer. Period.” The city has achieved unprecedented success in reducing murders, with 24 homicides logged in 2024, down one-third from the previous year and representing the lowest number since Boston started tracking the figure.
The general landscape of Boston crime in 2025 reflects a comprehensive approach to public safety that combines traditional law enforcement with innovative community-based interventions. Violent crime in Boston fell by 2% in 2024, while a broader definition of major crimes ticked up 1%, driven by increases in aggravated assaults, commercial burglaries and larceny. This trend positions Boston as one of the safest major cities in the country, according to Mayor Michelle Wu, with the city achieving its lowest homicide rate since 1957. The transformation is particularly striking when compared to the early 1990s, when Boston recorded more than 100 murders a year, with the violence reaching an apex in 1990 when the city’s annual homicide count rose to a record high of 142.
Interesting Stats & Facts About Boston Crime 2025
| Crime Fact Category | Facts | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Homicide Drop | 82% decrease in Q1 2024 vs 2023 | Largest quarterly drop in recorded history |
| Current Homicide Count | 24 total murders in 2024 vs 37 in 2023 | 33% reduction – lowest since 1957 |
| Shooting Incidents | 78% decrease through June 2024 | Record low gun violence levels |
| Major Cities Ranking | #1 safest major city in America 2024 | Leading 69 surveyed major cities |
| Peak Violence Era | 152 homicides in 1990 peak year | 528% higher than current levels |
| Youth Violence Prevention | 60% of youth homicides linked to 1% of youth | Targeted intervention success |
| Community Programs | 10,000 summer jobs provided annually | Direct violence prevention investment |
| Hospital Interventions | 4 major health systems with violence programs | Medical approach to crime prevention |
| Clearance Rate | 65% homicide clearance rate in 2023 | 24 arrests made in 37 cases |
| Geographic Concentration | 80% of shootings in 4 neighborhoods | Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roxbury |
Boston’s crime statistics present some of the most remarkable numerical achievements in modern American urban safety. The city’s 82% decrease in homicides during the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 represents the most dramatic quarterly improvement in recorded history, positioning Boston as the undisputed leader among major American cities for violent crime reduction. With only 24 total homicides recorded in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023, the 33% year-over-year reduction has shattered previous records and established Boston as America’s safest major metropolitan area. Perhaps most striking is the historical perspective: the 1990 peak of 152 homicides means current violence levels are 528% lower than the city’s most dangerous period, representing one of the most complete urban safety transformations in American history.
The facts demonstrate the power of data-driven, community-centered approaches to public safety. The 78% decrease in shooting incidents through June 2024, combined with the 65% homicide clearance rate that resulted in 24 arrests from 37 cases in 2023, shows both prevention and investigation successes. The geographic concentration revealing 80% of shootings occur in just 4 neighborhoods has enabled targeted resource allocation, while community intervention programs like the 10,000 summer jobs initiative directly address root causes of violence. The medical community’s involvement through 4 major health systems operating violence intervention programs, combined with the understanding that 60% of youth homicides stem from just 1% of youth involved in gang activity, has created a precision approach to violence prevention that serves as a national model for urban safety transformation.
Crime in Boston by Year
Historical Crime Trends in Boston 2020-2025
| Year | Total Homicides | Major Crime Change | Key Developments | Safety Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Above 50 | Pandemic Impact | COVID-19 Effects | Moderate |
| 2021 | Above 40 | Mixed Trends | Post-Pandemic Recovery | Improving |
| 2022 | ~48 | Down 1.5% Overall | Fatal Shootings Up | Stable |
| 2023 | 37 | Record Low Shootings | Up 2% Overall Crime | Good |
| 2024 | 24 | Historic Low Homicides | Down 33% Murders | Excellent |
| 2025 | Projected <25 | Continued Improvement | Safest Since 1957 | Historic High |
Crime trends in Boston over the last 5 years reveal a dramatic transformation in the city’s safety profile. The most significant achievement has been the consistent reduction in homicides, from levels exceeding 40 murders annually in recent years to the historic low of 24 homicides in 2024. This represents a 33% decrease from the previous year and marks the lowest figure since Boston began modern record-keeping. The early 1990s saw Boston recording more than 100 murders annually, with 1990 marking the peak at 142 homicides.
The 5-year crime analysis Boston 2020-2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained public safety initiatives. Crime in the city in 2022 offered a somewhat rosier picture compared with 2021, though blemished by the loss of eight additional lives in fatal shootings. However, shootings — fatal or otherwise — were down to a record low in Boston in 2023, while overall crime in the city was up 2% from the year before. The trajectory continued improving through 2024, with the city logging 24 homicides so far this year, down one-third from last year and the lowest figure since it’s been keeping records.
Homicide Rates in Boston 2025
Boston Homicide Statistics by Year
| Year | Total Homicides | Rate per 100,000 | Clearance Rate | Method of Violence | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | [~50+] | [~7.5] | [~60%] | Primarily Firearms | Elevated |
| 2021 | [~40+] | [~6.2] | [~65%] | Primarily Firearms | Decreasing |
| 2022 | 48 | [~7.3] | [~70%] | Fatal Shootings Up | Mixed |
| 2023 | 37 | 5.6 | 65% | Record Low Shootings | Historic Low |
| 2024 | 24 | 3.6 | Pending | Continued Decline | Record Breaking |
| 2025 | [Projected <25] | [<3.8] | [Target 70%+] | Sustained Reduction | Historic Achievement |
Homicide rates in Boston have reached levels not seen since the 1950s, representing one of the most significant public safety achievements in the city’s modern history. The Suffolk District Attorney’s office reported 37 homicides in Boston in 2023, with arrests made in 24 of the cases so far, indicating a 65% clearance rate. The 2024 figures show an even more dramatic improvement, with Boston reporting just 22 homicides as of December 10, a little over half of the 40 it had just two years ago.
The Boston murder statistics 2025 reflect sustained improvements in violence prevention strategies. Investments in police recruitment, officer wellness and community safety programs have led to safer neighborhoods, according to Mayor Michelle Wu. The city’s comprehensive approach includes community intervention teams, weekly youth safety meetings designed to prevent violence, and programs providing 10,000 summer jobs for young people. These initiatives, combined with the Boston Police Academy’s graduation of its largest and most diverse class of cadets, have contributed to the historic reduction in homicides throughout the city.
Firearm-Related Arrests in Boston 2025
Boston Firearm Arrests Statistics
| Year | Total Arrests | Change from Previous Year | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 273 | Baseline | Active enforcement |
| 2025 | 261 | -4.4% | Slight decrease |
Firearm-Related Arrests in Boston showed a modest decrease in 2025, with 261 arrests compared to 273 in 2024, representing a 4.4% decline. These figures specifically represent arrests involving the recovery of a firearm during the incident, as reported by the Boston Regional Intelligence Center. While the decrease is relatively small, it indicates either improved community safety conditions or potential changes in enforcement patterns. The sustained focus on firearm arrests remains a critical component of Boston’s violence prevention strategy.
Violent Crime Statistics in Boston 2025
Part One Violent Crimes (Citywide)
| Crime Type | 2024 | 2025 | Change | 5-Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 12 | 23 | +91.7% | 23.2 |
| Rape & Attempted | 113 | 105 | -7.0% | 129.0 |
| Robbery & Attempted | 507 | 441 | -13.0% | 505.6 |
| Domestic Aggravated Assault | 562 | 556 | -1.0% | 544.8 |
| Non-Domestic Aggravated Assault | 1,053 | 901 | -14.0% | 1,054.4 |
Violent crime in Boston 2025 presents a mixed picture with significant variations across different offense categories. The most concerning trend is the 91.7% increase in homicides, rising from 12 incidents in 2024 to 23 incidents in 2025. This increase includes 3 cases ruled in 2025 but that occurred in prior years. Notable geographic increases occurred in Area B (B02: 2 to 8 incidents, B03: 3 to 6 incidents), Area D (D14: 0 to 2 incidents), and Area A (A15: 0 to 2 incidents).
Conversely, other violent crime categories showed positive trends. Rape and attempted rape decreased by 7% to 105 incidents, remaining well below the 5-year average of 129.0. Robbery and attempted robbery saw a significant 13% reduction to 441 incidents. Non-domestic aggravated assault experienced the largest decrease at 14%, dropping to 901 incidents, while domestic aggravated assault remained relatively stable with only a 1% decrease to 556 incidents.
Property Crime in Boston 2025
Part One Property Crimes (Citywide)
| Crime Type | 2024 | 2025 | Change | 5-Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Burglary | 447 | 370 | -17.0% | 536.0 |
| Commercial Burglary | 249 | 253 | +2.0% | 236.0 |
| Larceny From Motor Vehicle | 1,365 | 1,228 | -10.0% | 1,610.0 |
| Other Larceny | 4,957 | 5,118 | +3.0% | 4,182.2 |
| Auto Theft | 725 | 703 | -3.0% | 743.0 |
Property crime in Boston 2025 shows generally positive trends with most categories experiencing decreases. Residential burglary saw the most significant improvement with a 17% decrease to 370 incidents, well below the 5-year average of 536.0. Larceny from motor vehicles also decreased substantially by 10% to 1,228 incidents, continuing a positive trend from the 5-year average of 1,610.0.
Auto theft remained relatively stable with a modest 3% decrease to 703 incidents, staying close to the 5-year average. However, two categories saw increases: commercial burglary rose by 2% to 253 incidents, slightly above the 5-year average of 236.0, and other larceny increased by 3% to 5,118 incidents, significantly higher than the 5-year average of 4,182.2.
Overall Crime Trends in Boston 2025
Total Part One Crimes (Violent + Property)
| Year | Total Incidents | Change | 5-Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9,990 | Baseline | 9,584 |
| 2025 | 9,698 | -3.0% | 9,584 |
Overall crime in Boston 2025 demonstrates a positive trajectory with total Part One crimes decreasing by 3% from 9,990 incidents in 2024 to 9,698 incidents in 2025. This total aligns closely with the 5-year average of 9,584 incidents, indicating stable crime levels despite year-to-year fluctuations.
Key Observations for 2025:
Positive Trends:
- Overall crime decreased by 3%
- Firearm-related arrests decreased by 4.4%
- Significant reductions in robbery (-13%), non-domestic aggravated assault (-14%), and residential burglary (-17%)
- Larceny from motor vehicles continued declining (-10%)
Areas of Concern:
- Homicides increased substantially (+91.7%), particularly in specific police districts
- Other larceny increased (+3%), continuing above historical averages
- Commercial burglary showed slight increase (+2%)
Crime Prevention Initiatives in Boston 2025
Boston’s success in reducing violent crime stems from a multi-faceted approach combining traditional law enforcement with innovative community-based interventions. The city has invested heavily in violence prevention programs that address root causes rather than just responding to incidents after they occur.
Key Prevention Strategies
Community-Based Violence Intervention: Boston operates several hospital-based violence intervention programs across 4 major health systems, providing immediate support and resources to shooting victims to prevent retaliation and reduce the cycle of violence.
Youth Employment Programs: The city provides 10,000 summer jobs annually for young people, directly targeting the demographic most at risk for both perpetrating and becoming victims of violence. This economic opportunity approach has shown measurable success in reducing youth involvement in criminal activity.
Targeted Interventions: Data analysis has revealed that 60% of youth homicides stem from just 1% of youth involved in gang activity, allowing for precision-focused intervention programs that provide intensive support to the highest-risk individuals.
Geographic Focus: With 80% of shootings concentrated in just 4 neighborhoods (Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, and Roxbury), the city has been able to deploy concentrated resources and community policing efforts where they’re needed most.
Data-Driven Policing: Weekly youth safety meetings and real-time crime analysis allow law enforcement to respond quickly to emerging patterns and deploy resources proactively rather than reactively.
The combination of these strategies has created what experts call a “Boston Model” of violence reduction that other cities are now studying and attempting to replicate. The 82% decrease in homicides during the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 represents the most dramatic improvement in the city’s recorded history and demonstrates the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach to public safety.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
