| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Somerville/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,295 | n/a (estimate) | 1,636 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.3 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 16.4 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 42 | n/a | 53.0 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 144 | n/a | 181.9 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 200 | n/a (estimate) | 253 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 132 | n/a | 166.7 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 859 | n/a | 1,084.9 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 104 | n/a | 131.4 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,095 | n/a (estimate) | 1,383 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
The Somerville crime rates are 29.6% 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 200 violent crimes in Somerville (253 per 100,000 people), which is 31.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1095 property crimes (1383 per 100,000 residents) which is 29.2% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Somerville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 27 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 70% of Somerville 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, 30% 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 Somerville 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. Somerville has a total crime rate that is 30% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.55 daily crimes (0.55 violent daily crimes and 3 daily property crimes) in Somerville.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Somerville has increased by 20.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Somerville, 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 31.6%, while property crime has increased by 18.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Somerville is a safe place to live.
Somerville has a poverty rate of 11.3, 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 educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Somerville, 87.3% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 Somerville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.79, 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.
| Item | Somerville | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 138 | 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 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,668 | 76 | 267 | 343 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,730 | 105 | 348 | 453 |
| Somerville, MA | 81,175 | 253 | 1,383 | 1,636 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cranston, RI | 81,252 | 119 | 1,156 | 1,275 |
| Manteca, CA | 81,078 | 267 | 1,888 | 2,154 |
| Silver Spring, MD | 81,069 | 305 | 1,253 | 1,559 |
| Warwick, RI | 81,043 | 76 | 1,407 | 1,483 |
| San Ramon, CA | 81,344 | 65 | 925 | 991 |
| Somerville, MA | 81,175 | 253 | 1,383 | 1,636 |
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