Framingham, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Framingham, MA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Framingham crime rate is lower than the national average by 27.5%. Specifically, there were 201 violent crimes in Framingham, equivalent to 284 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 23.1%. Furthermore, Framingham recorded 990 property crimes, amounting to 1400 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 28.4%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Framingham?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Framingham. Based on the results of the surveys (18 responses), 39% of people felt that there was very little crime in Framingham and felt safe walking alone at night. While 61% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Framingham a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Framingham is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Framingham has a total crime rate that is 28% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.26 daily crimes (0.55 violent daily crimes and 2.71 daily property crimes) in Framingham.

Has Crime in Framingham Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Framingham. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Framingham has increased by 14.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 9.1%, while property crimes have increased by 20.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Framingham

Framingham reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Framingham crime rates.

In Framingham, 87.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Framingham is $439,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Framingham crime map