| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Arlington/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 296 | n/a (estimate) | 654 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 4.4 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 4.4 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 50.8 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 60 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 46 | n/a | 101.7 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 204 | n/a | 450.9 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 19 | n/a | 42.0 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 269 | n/a (estimate) | 595 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
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 Arlington crime rate is lower than the national average by 71.9%. Specifically, there were 27 violent crimes in Arlington, equivalent to 60 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 83.9%. Furthermore, Arlington recorded 269 property crimes, amounting to 595 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 69.6%.
Arlington has a crime rate of 654, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Arlington being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
Arlington stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 60 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Arlington secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Arlington reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
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, Arlington has a property crime rate of 595 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Arlington is a safe place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Arlington residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 89% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Arlington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 11% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Arlington a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Arlington crime rate is 72% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.81 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.74 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Arlington. 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 Arlington has increased by 92.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 42.1%, while property crime has increased by 99.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Arlington.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Arlington, the cost of living is 60.81% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Arlington, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.79 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Arlington, the median home price stands at $687,600, diverging from the national average of $184,700. 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.
| Item | Arlington | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 78 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 30 | 211 | 241 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,730 | 105 | 348 | 453 |
| Milton, MA | 27,590 | 25 | 492 | 517 |
| Arlington, MA | 45,379 | 60 | 595 | 654 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oro Valley, AZ | 45,303 | 33 | 1,187 | 1,220 |
| West Seneca, NY | 45,272 | 140 | 1,762 | 1,902 |
| Hilo, HI | 45,248 | 366 | 3,428 | 3,794 |
| Herriman, UT | 45,211 | 76 | 780 | 856 |
| Rockwall, TX | 45,168 | 102 | 1,535 | 1,638 |
| Arlington, MA | 45,379 | 60 | 595 | 654 |
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