| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fall River/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,040 | n/a (estimate) | 2,134 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 3.1 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 58 | n/a | 60.7 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 96 | n/a | 100.4 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 553 | n/a | 578.6 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 710 | n/a (estimate) | 743 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 221 | n/a | 231.2 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 952 | n/a | 996.1 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 157 | n/a | 164.3 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,330 | n/a (estimate) | 1,392 | 1,112 | 1,760 |

The Fall River crime rates are 0.7% higher 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 710 violent crimes in Fall River (743 per 100,000 people), which is 106.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1330 property crimes (1392 per 100,000 residents) which is 20.9% lower than average.
The Fall River 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 Fall River, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Fall River ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 743 per 100,000 people, Fall River is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Fall River, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Fall River residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 69 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 9% of Fall River 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, 91% 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 Fall River 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. Fall River has a total crime rate that is 1% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.59 daily crimes (1.95 violent daily crimes and 3.64 daily property crimes) in Fall River.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Fall River crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Fall River has increased by 14.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 16.8% and property crime has increased by 43.6%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Fall River crime rates. For instance, in Fall River, the population density stands at 2761.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The median home price in Fall River is $471,343, compared to the national average of $326,622. 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.
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 Fall River are $1,246, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Fall River | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 263 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| North Seekonk, MA | 2,235 | 123 | 434 | 557 |
| Ocean Grove, MA | 2,530 | 146 | 514 | 659 |
| North Lakeville, MA | 3,305 | 151 | 532 | 683 |
| Newport East, RI | 11,557 | 90 | 603 | 693 |
| Somerset, MA | 18,700 | 151 | 567 | 718 |
| Tiverton, RI | 8,199 | 68 | 680 | 748 |
| East Providence, RI | 48,849 | 74 | 681 | 755 |
| Fall River, MA | 91,437 | 743 | 1,392 | 2,134 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nashua, NH | 91,471 | 161 | 1,261 | 1,422 |
| Norwalk, CT | 91,485 | 85 | 1,505 | 1,589 |
| Mount Pleasant, SC | 91,527 | 128 | 1,172 | 1,300 |
| Chino, CA | 91,540 | 300 | 2,212 | 2,511 |
| Palm Coast, FL | 91,057 | 235 | 1,250 | 1,484 |
| Fall River, MA | 91,437 | 743 | 1,392 | 2,134 |