| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waltham/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 623 | n/a (estimate) | 951 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.5 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 18.3 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 15 | n/a | 22.9 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 137 | n/a | 209.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 165 | n/a (estimate) | 252 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 82 | n/a | 125.2 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 340 | n/a | 519.2 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 36 | n/a | 55.0 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 458 | n/a (estimate) | 699 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Waltham is 55.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 165 violent crimes reported in Waltham, equivalent to 252 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 29.8%. Additionally, Waltham recorded 458 property crimes, amounting to 699 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 60.3%.
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, Waltham has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 699 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Waltham remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Waltham residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 20 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Waltham residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Waltham 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. Waltham has a total crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.71 daily crimes (0.45 violent daily crimes and 1.25 daily property crimes) in Waltham.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waltham has increased by 70.2%. 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 120%, while property crime has increased by 57.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waltham is a safe place to live.
Waltham has a poverty rate of 9.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Waltham, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.75, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In Waltham, the median home price stands at $1,031,959, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Waltham | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 170 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,982 | 49 | 174 | 224 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,986 | 84 | 243 | 327 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Waltham, MA | 64,477 | 252 | 699 | 951 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Montebello, CA | 64,503 | 495 | 2,614 | 3,108 |
| Brentwood, NY | 64,448 | 433 | 1,958 | 2,391 |
| La Habra, CA | 64,441 | 363 | 2,160 | 2,523 |
| Doral, FL | 64,546 | 123 | 653 | 776 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 64,374 | 357 | 1,209 | 1,566 |
| Waltham, MA | 64,477 | 252 | 699 | 951 |
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