| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chelsea/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 925 | n/a (estimate) | 2,415 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 5.2 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 80.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 46 | n/a | 120.1 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 296 | n/a | 772.7 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 375 | n/a (estimate) | 979 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 57 | n/a | 148.8 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 441 | n/a | 1,151.2 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 135.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 550 | n/a (estimate) | 1,436 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Chelsea is 13.9% 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 375 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 979 per 100,000 individuals, 172.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 550 property crimes, amounting to 1436 per 100,000 residents, 18.4% lower than the U.S. average.
The Chelsea crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Chelsea, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Chelsea has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 979 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Chelsea falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 103 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Chelsea. Based on the results of the surveys (76 responses), 25% of people felt that there was very little crime in Chelsea and felt safe walking alone at night. While 75% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Chelsea a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Chelsea has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 14%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.53 daily incidents, encompassing 1.03 violent crimes and 1.51 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Chelsea as a potential place to call home.
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 decreased by 2.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 28.9%, while property crime has decreased by 16.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Chelsea.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Chelsea crime rates. Chelsea registers a population density of 18507.2 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Chelsea has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.81 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Chelsea are $2,200, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| North Scituate, MA | 5,501 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 979 | 1,436 | 2,415 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Montclair, CA | 41,014 | 644 | 3,646 | 4,290 |
| Hagerstown, MD | 40,940 | 714 | 2,463 | 3,177 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 41,077 | 189 | 849 | 1,038 |
| Marion, IA | 41,096 | 123 | 497 | 620 |
| Los Banos, CA | 40,884 | 214 | 1,833 | 2,046 |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 979 | 1,436 | 2,415 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
Check out the 10 safest cities in Massachusetts
See the best places to live in Chelsea
Most Dangerous States In The US