Newton, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newton, MA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Newton is 69% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 56 violent crimes reported in Newton, equivalent to 65 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 82.5%. Additionally, Newton recorded 568 property crimes, amounting to 655 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66.5%.

Newton proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 720, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Newton as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Newton has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 65 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Newton ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Newton has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 655 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Newton remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Newton?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Newton residents. Out of the respondents (26 in total), 85% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Newton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 15% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Newton a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Newton is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Newton has an overall crime rate that is 69% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.71 daily occurrences, comprising 0.15 violent crimes and 1.56 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Newton as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Newton Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Newton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Newton has increased by 11.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 1.8%, while property crime has increased by 12.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Newton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Newton

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Newton crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Newton has an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Newton has a population density of 4954.2 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Newton crime rates.

Newton has an average rental rate of $1,897 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Newton crime map