A+
81%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
81%
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 peopleWellesley/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime137n/a (estimate)4371,3922,324
Murder0n/a0.02.16.3
Rape5n/a15.929.140.0
Robbery1n/a3.237.766.1
Assault13n/a41.5253.1268.2
Violent crime19n/a (estimate)61322370
Burglary15n/a47.8142.8269.8
Theft101n/a322.1827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft2n/a6.499.7282.7
Property crime118n/a (estimate)3761,0701,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wellesley, MA

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 Wellesley crime rate is lower than the national average by 81.2%. Specifically, there were 19 violent crimes in Wellesley, equivalent to 61 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 83.6%. Furthermore, Wellesley recorded 118 property crimes, amounting to 376 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 80.7%.

Boasting a crime rate of 437, well below the national average of 2324, Wellesley emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Wellesley to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.

Wellesley has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 61 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Wellesley ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wellesley 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.

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, Wellesley has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 376 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Wellesley remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wellesley?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Wellesley residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 83% of Wellesley 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, 17% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Wellesley a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wellesley 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 Wellesley crime rate is 81% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.38 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes.

Has Crime in Wellesley Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wellesley has increased by 8.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wellesley, 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 280%, while property crime has increased by 2.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wellesley is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wellesley

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Wellesley crime rates. In Wellesley, the poverty rate stands at 4.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Wellesley, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

The median home price in Wellesley is $1,212,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Wellesley crime map



The Wellesley crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Wellesley 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 Wellesley crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Wellesley 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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Compare Wellesley, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Wellesley crime rates are 81% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Wellesley are 84% lower than the national average
      • In Wellesley you have a 1 in 229 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Wellesley is safer than 88% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Wellesley has increased by 1%

      Wellesley, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Wellesley (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Wellesley for every 100,000 residents. The Wellesley total amount of daily crime is 3.19 times less than the Massachusetts average and 5.32 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Wellesley, is 5.31 times less than the Massachusetts average, and it is 6.10 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Wellesley has a daily crime average that is 2.84 times less than the Massachusetts average and 5.19 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Wellesley (higher is better)

        Is Wellesley safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Massachusetts as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Wellesley to other cities in the state and across the country, Wellesley is 86% safer than other cities of Massachusetts and 88% safer than other cities in the nation. Wellesley has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Wellesley

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wellesley is 1 in 1651
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Wellesley is 1 in 266
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Wellesley is 1 in 229
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Wellesley, Massachusetts you have a 1 in 1651 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 266 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 229 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Wellesley.

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

        Determining whether Wellesley is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Wellesley violent crime rates have increased by 259%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 10% year over year. Total crimes for Wellesley has increased by 1% in the same time frame.

        Wellesley police department

        Item Wellesley Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)5111,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.82.23.3
        There are a total of 51 Wellesley police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 16.6% less than the Massachusetts average and 44.8% 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
        Cordaville, MA2,88463209272
        Winchester, MA22,76040271311
        Sharon, MA6,21738275313
        Lexington, MA33,30444286330
        Medfield, MA6,66876267343
        Hopkinton, MA3,864156245401
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Summerlin South, NV28,7161961,0281,224
        Forest Hills, MI28,690199664863
        Vero Beach South, FL28,6763041,8362,140
        Bella Vista, AR28,819220425645
        Paragould, AR28,8211,1423,8024,945
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437
        Source: The Wellesley, 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.