United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Boston scores 78/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Boston is safe for visitors, with low overall risk and normal security precautions advised. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
78
/ 100
Safer than ~84% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-27T09:23:27.0923131-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can happen in isolated incidents, especially late at night in less‑patrolled neighborhoods
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is frequent in tourist hotspots such as the waterfront, Faneuil Hall and subway stations
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
71/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight, though some express concern about pickpockets in crowded areas.
Yes — Boston is safe for visitors, with low overall risk and normal security precautions advised.
Boston scores well on safety indicators, with low violent crime and stable governance, though pickpocketing and occasional street robberies occur in busy areas.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Boston is safe for visitors, but you should stay alert in crowded tourist zones. The latest data shows low violent crime and stable governance, with pickpocketing and occasional street robberies being the most relevant risks. Recent incidents include a gunpoint robbery of a lemonade stand in June 2026 (NBC Boston) and an armed robbery of a cash courier involving a Brazilian national (Department of Justice). Scams targeting travelers—such as overpriced or fake tickets for events like Sail Boston and World Cup 2026—have also been reported (World Nomads). To stay safe, keep valuables hidden, use licensed taxis or rideshares, and remain vigilant around popular spots like the waterfront, Faneuil Hall and subway stations.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Boston districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Boston safety map.
RoxburyavoidHigher violent crime rates; avoid alone at night
South EndcautionVibrant nightlife but occasional petty theft after dark
DowntowncautionBusy commercial area, watch belongings in crowds
AllstoncautionCollege hub with late-night activity; stay alert after dark
East BostoncautionTourist-friendly but occasional pickpocketing near airport
Back BaysaferQuiet residential streets, high police presence, low crime
FenwaysaferWell-patrolled near Fenway Park, low violent crime
Cambridge (Central Square)saferStudent-heavy, active police patrols, low risk
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can happen in isolated incidents, especially late at night in less‑patrolled neighborhoods
After dark, be most careful around Roxbury, South End, Downtown, Allston. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Boston's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Boston is safe for visitors, with low overall risk and normal security precautions advised. Boston scores well on safety indicators, with low violent crime and stable governance, though pickpocketing and occasional street robberies occur in busy areas. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Roxbury as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Boston ranks #3 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 78/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: boston.json (CC BY 4.0).
