OkayToWalkIs it okay to walk in Downtown, Boston?
Crime reported to the police, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026
Low for Boston
Reported crime around the center of Downtown is higher than in 51% of areas in Boston, taking into account how many people are usually around. 175 incidents were reported here in these 12 months.
“Here” is the area of about 0.7 km² (0.3 square miles) around the center of Downtown.
The map shows every block, by day and at night, and gives walking directions that avoid high-crime areas.
By kind of crime
| Kind | Level | Compared with the rest of Boston |
|---|---|---|
| ViolentHomicide, sexual assault, robbery, assault, kidnapping | Low | higher than in 59% of areas |
| PropertyBurglary, theft, shoplifting, vandalism, arson | Low | lower than in 65% of areas |
| VehicleCar theft and break-ins | Very low | lower than in 81% of areas |
| Weapons & drugsWeapons, drug and public-order offenses | Low | higher than in 61% of areas |
Day and night
- By day (6am–6pm): Very low, lower than in 85% of areas.
- At night (6pm–6am): Moderate, higher than in 71% of areas.
Most reports here are from 12pm–1pm.
What gets reported here
- Simple assault: 72 (41%)
- Vandalism: 19 (11%)
- Shoplifting: 19 (11%)
- Theft: 12 (7%)
- Public order: 12 (7%)
Following the city-wide trend over the last 6 months.
Around Downtown
The areas right next to it range from very low to moderate.
- Post Office Square Low
- Dewey Square Moderate
- Downtown Crossing Moderate
- Leather District Moderate
- Government Center Moderate
- Dock Square Low
- City Hall Plaza Moderate
- Pemberton Square Moderate
How to read this
- It shows crime reported to the police. Many crimes are never reported.
- Levels compare areas within Boston. The same level in another city does not mean the same.
- It is not a prediction, and it says nothing about any person or building.
- Please do not use it for decisions about housing, lending, insurance or employment.
Source: Boston Police Department. Place names © OpenStreetMap contributors. Data as of Oct 1, 2026.