Medford, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Medford, 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 Medford crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.9%. Specifically, there were 112 violent crimes in Medford, equivalent to 175 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 52.8%. Furthermore, Medford recorded 605 property crimes, amounting to 944 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 51.7%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Medford?

What do the local residents think about crime in Medford? Well, based on a recent survey of 26 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 96% of Medford residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 4% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Medford a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Medford 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. Medford has a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.96 daily crimes (0.31 violent daily crimes and 1.66 daily property crimes) in Medford.

Has Crime in Medford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Medford has increased by 17.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Medford is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 19.2%, while property crime has increased by 16.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Medford.

Potential Causes for Crime in Medford

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Medford crime rates. In Medford, the poverty rate stands at 8.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Medford, there are 1.64 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

In Medford, the average rental rates are $2,003 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Medford crime map