Waltham, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waltham, MA

The Waltham crime rates are 69.9% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 95 violent crimes in Waltham (150 per 100,000 people), which is 59.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 349 property crimes (549 per 100,000 residents) which is 71.9% lower than average.

Waltham proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 699, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Waltham 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.

In the latest reported crime year, Waltham recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Waltham has a property crime rate of 549 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Waltham is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waltham?

AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Waltham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waltham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Waltham a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Waltham 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, Waltham has an overall crime rate that is 70% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.22 daily occurrences, comprising 0.26 violent crimes and 0.96 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waltham as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Waltham Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waltham has increased by 21.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waltham, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 26.7%, while property crime has increased by 19.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waltham is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waltham

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 Waltham 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. Waltham has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Waltham has a population density of 4912.1 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 Waltham crime rates.

In Waltham, the cost of living is 47.71% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Waltham crime map