| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chelsea/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 980 | n/a (estimate) | 2,607 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 69.2 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 60 | n/a | 159.6 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 216 | n/a | 574.6 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 302 | n/a (estimate) | 803 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 81 | n/a | 215.5 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 521 | n/a | 1,386.0 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 76 | n/a | 202.2 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 678 | n/a (estimate) | 1,804 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Chelsea is 12.2% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Chelsea, there were 302 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 803 per 100,000 individuals, 117.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 678 property crimes, amounting to 1804 per 100,000 residents, 7.7% lower than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the Chelsea crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Chelsea crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Chelsea is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 803 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chelsea is 1 in 125.
In the most recently reported crime year, Chelsea registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Chelsea maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Chelsea, 1804 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
What do the local residents think about crime in Chelsea? Well, based on a recent survey of 74 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 26% of Chelsea residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 74% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Chelsea 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 Chelsea crime rate is 12% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.68 crimes per day - 0.83 violent crimes and 1.86 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Chelsea. 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 Chelsea has increased by 3.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 3.8%, while property crime has increased by 2.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Chelsea.
In Chelsea, 62.7% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Chelsea, the cost of living is 28.02% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Chelsea is $369,900, 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.
| Item | Chelsea | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 101 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Milton, MA | 27,590 | 25 | 492 | 517 |
| Chelsea, MA | 39,878 | 803 | 1,804 | 2,607 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| The Acreage, FL | 39,863 | 213 | 1,285 | 1,498 |
| Friendswood, TX | 39,893 | 83 | 570 | 654 |
| Marion, IA | 39,910 | 244 | 1,225 | 1,469 |
| Calexico, CA | 39,841 | 135 | 1,794 | 1,929 |
| Streamwood, IL | 39,917 | 182 | 786 | 968 |
| Chelsea, MA | 39,878 | 803 | 1,804 | 2,607 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
See the best places to live in & around Chelsea
Top 10 cities in Massachusetts with the best education system
Top 10 best public schools in Chelsea