A+
69%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
83%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
66%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleNewton/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime624n/a (estimate)7201,3922,324
Murder1n/a1.22.16.3
Rape8n/a9.229.140.0
Robbery8n/a9.237.766.1
Assault39n/a45.0253.1268.2
Violent crime56n/a (estimate)65322370
Burglary60n/a69.2142.8269.8
Theft497n/a573.2827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft11n/a12.799.7282.7
Property crime568n/a (estimate)6551,0701,954

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



The Newton crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Newton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Newton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Newton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Newton crime rates are 69% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Newton are 83% lower than the national average
      • In Newton you have a 1 in 139 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Newton is safer than 83% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Newton has increased by 14%

      Newton, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Newton (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Newton for every 100,000 residents. The Newton total amount of daily crime is 1.93 times less than the Massachusetts average and 3.23 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Newton, is 4.99 times less than the Massachusetts average, and it is 5.73 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Newton has a daily crime average that is 1.63 times less than the Massachusetts average and 2.98 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Newton (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Newton, Massachusetts compared to other areas of Massachusetts, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Newton safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Newton is safer than 78% of Massachusetts cities, and 83% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Massachusetts, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Newton. At this time, Newton sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Newton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Newton is 1 in 1549
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Newton is 1 in 153
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Newton is 1 in 139
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Newton, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1549. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 153 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Newton is 1 in 139.

        Year Over Year Crime In Newton (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Newton is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Newton has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 5% in Newton, while property crimes in Newton have increased by 15%. Total crime has increased by 14% year over year.

        Newton police department

        Item Newton Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)16911,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.23.3
        There are a total of 169 Newton police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 9.5% less than the Massachusetts average and 40.1% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dover, MA2,51885119203
        Nahant, MA3,51230211241
        Winchester, MA22,76040271311
        Sharon, MA6,21738275313
        Lexington, MA33,30444286330
        Medfield, MA6,66876267343
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437
        Newton, MA88,32265655720

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Reading, PA88,3335072,6853,193
        Champaign, IL88,2886461,7222,368
        Conroe, TX88,3693182,0292,347
        Palm Coast, FL88,2223201,9362,256
        O'Fallon, MO88,13294719813
        Newton, MA88,32265655720
        Source: The Newton, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.