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Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
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Is Boston safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of August 2026, Boston scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Boston is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime risk in tourist areas but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in crowded spots. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Boston 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 27 August 2026
73
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairHomicide 5.8 / 100k
Sentiment64/100FairMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability75Good
Health80Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
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 2026-08-18T09:29:04Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-08-25T16:07:39.3337727-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
70 / 100 (Mostly positive)
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
654k residents
77
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery risk is Low in tourist zones but Moderate citywide, with incidents concentrated in Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester; rare in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Downtown
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded tourist areas, MBTA stations, and during events; remain vigilant in Faneuil Hall, Downtown Crossing, and near sports venues
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
64/100
Reported feel70Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe in Boston’s core tourist districts, citing visible police presence and walkability, though some report unease on late-night transit or in less familiar neighborhoods
Yes — Boston is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime risk in tourist areas but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in crowded spots.
Boston's composite safety index of 74/100 reflects a safe environment for visitors, underpinned by strong institutions, low terrorism risk, and excellent healthcare access. While homicide and assault rates are moderate for a U.S. city, violent crime is largely concentrated in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester — areas tourists rarely visit. Pickpocketing and scams targeting visitors are the primary concerns in high-traffic zones such as Faneuil Hall, Downtown Crossing, and MBTA stations.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Brazilian national arrested for armed robbery of a cash courier in Massachusetts— Department of Justice (.gov)
- Jul 2026Massachusetts man arrested for bank robbery— fbi.gov
- Jun 2026Teen arrested after armed robbery at a kids' lemonade stand— USA Today
- Jun 20264 million visitors expected at Sail Boston; organizers announced enhanced security and road closures— WCVB
Common scams
- Fake short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and Craigslist using stolen photos, demanding wire transfers or Zelle before disappearing
- Overpriced or counterfeit tickets sold near Fenway Park, TD Garden, and other event venues
- Street distraction scams where accomplices divert attention to pickpocket or snatch bags in crowded areas
Full briefing
Boston remains a generally safe destination for travelers, particularly in its well-known historic and cultural districts. The city’s strong safety foundation — reflected in its 74/100 composite index — comes from low terrorism risk, effective governance, top-tier healthcare, and minimal natural hazards. Violent crime, while present, is largely confined to specific neighborhoods such as Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester, which are not typical tourist corridors. Visitors to Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown, and the waterfront areas report feeling secure during the day, with visible police patrols and active street life contributing to a sense of safety.
However, travelers must stay alert to non-violent risks that target visitors directly. Pickpocketing is a notable concern in high-traffic areas like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Downtown Crossing, and MBTA stations — especially during rush hour or large events. Scams are also active, with recent reports of fraudulent short-term rentals using stolen property photos to extract wire transfers or Zelle payments before vanishing. Fake ticket sellers near Fenway Park and TD Garden, as well as distraction-based thefts in crowded settings, continue to be reported. These incidents are not reflected in the city’s overall low violent crime stats but significantly impact the visitor experience.
Practical precautions go a long way: use only official booking platforms with protection, verify tickets through team or venue websites, keep valuables secured and out of sight, and avoid displaying wealth or appearing distracted in crowds. On public transit, remain aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and consider rideshares or taxis if traveling late. While Boston’s overall environment is welcoming and safe for most visitors, a vigilant, prepared approach ensures a smooth and secure trip. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, trust your instincts, and enjoy the city’s rich history and culture with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Boston districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Boston safety map.
RoxburyavoidHigher incidence of violent crime including armed robbery and assault; not recommended for visitors, especially after dark.
MattapanavoidElevated rates of robbery and gang-related activity; avoid non-essential travel, particularly at night.
Downtown BostoncautionHigh foot traffic around attractions increases pickpocketing risk; remain alert for bag theft, especially near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
South EndcautionPopular with tourists but sees fake rental scams; verify listings and avoid wire transfers for accommodations.
DorchestercautionMixed safety; some areas see increased theft and assault; exercise caution in unfamiliar parts and avoid isolated streets after dark.
Back BaysaferUpscale historic area with strong police presence and low violent crime; watch for pickpockets in crowded shopping zones.
Beacon HillsaferWell-lit, residential neighborhood with active community policing and crime rates below city average; standard precautions advised.
Fenway/KenmoresaferGenerally safe around Fenway Park and university areas; be alert for verbal harassment from rival sports fans, which can escalate after games.
07 · After Dark
Is Boston safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Armed robbery risk is Low in tourist zones but Moderate citywide, with incidents concentrated in Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester; rare in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Downtown
After dark, be most careful around Roxbury, Mattapan, Downtown Boston, South End. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Boston safety FAQ (2026)
Is Boston safe right now (2026)?
Yes — Boston is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime risk in tourist areas but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in crowded spots. Boston's composite safety index of 74/100 reflects a safe environment for visitors, underpinned by strong institutions, low terrorism risk, and excellent healthcare access. While homicide and assault rates are moderate for a U.S. city, violent crime is largely concentrated in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester — areas tourists rarely visit. Pickpocketing and scams targeting visitors are the primary concerns in high-traffic zones such as Faneuil Hall, Downtown Crossing, and MBTA stations. (Assessed 27 August 2026.)
Is Boston safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Boston report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Boston should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Roxbury, Mattapan as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Boston (2026)?
- Fake short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and Craigslist using stolen photos, demanding wire transfers or Zelle before disappearing
- Overpriced or counterfeit tickets sold near Fenway Park, TD Garden, and other event venues
- Street distraction scams where accomplices divert attention to pickpocket or snatch bags in crowded areas
How does Boston compare with other places in United States (2026)?
Boston ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this boston safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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