| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Needham/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 193 | n/a (estimate) | 599 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 31.0 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 6.2 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 43.4 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 81 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 62.1 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 139 | n/a | 431.3 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 24.8 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 167 | n/a (estimate) | 518 | 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 Needham crime rate is lower than the national average by 74.2%. Specifically, there were 26 violent crimes in Needham, equivalent to 81 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 78.2%. Furthermore, Needham recorded 167 property crimes, amounting to 518 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 73.5%.
Needham has a crime rate of 599, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Needham 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.
Needham shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 81 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Needham an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Needham 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.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Needham records a property crime rate of 518 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Needham as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
AreaVibes surveyed 6 local residents in Needham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 100% of people answered that there was very little crime in Needham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 0% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Needham 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 Needham crime rate is 74% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.53 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.46 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Needham. 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 Needham has increased by 40.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 85.7%, while property crime has increased by 35.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Needham.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Needham crime rate. The poverty level in Needham is 2.4%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 Needham, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.81 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 Needham, the average rental rates are $1,604 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.
| Item | Needham | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 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 |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,884 | 63 | 209 | 272 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,217 | 38 | 275 | 313 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,668 | 76 | 267 | 343 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,864 | 156 | 245 | 401 |
| Needham, MA | 31,177 | 81 | 518 | 599 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Michigan City, IN | 31,191 | 421 | 3,697 | 4,118 |
| Princeton, NJ | 31,161 | 29 | 734 | 763 |
| Naugatuck, CT | 31,201 | 80 | 1,199 | 1,279 |
| Sherwood, AR | 31,225 | 776 | 2,567 | 3,343 |
| Centereach, NY | 31,100 | 424 | 1,702 | 2,126 |
| Needham, MA | 31,177 | 81 | 518 | 599 |
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