| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Medford/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 822 | n/a (estimate) | 1,379 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 21.8 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 23.5 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 80 | n/a | 134.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 180 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 46 | n/a | 77.2 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 600 | n/a | 1,006.7 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 69 | n/a | 115.8 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 715 | n/a (estimate) | 1,200 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Medford crime rate is lower than the national average by 34.9%. Specifically, there were 107 violent crimes in Medford, equivalent to 180 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 50%. Furthermore, Medford recorded 715 property crimes, amounting to 1200 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 31.8%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Medford experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Medford? Well, based on a recent survey of 26 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 96% of Medford residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 4% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Medford 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, Medford has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 35%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.29 violent crimes and 1.96 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Medford as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Medford has increased by 34.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Medford is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 13.8%, while property crime has increased by 38%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Medford.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Medford crime rates. The population density in Medford is 7468.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Medford, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.64 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.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Medford has a median home price of $967,304, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Medford | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 94 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Medford, MA | 60,492 | 180 | 1,200 | 1,379 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Springfield, OH | 60,312 | 1,371 | 4,516 | 5,887 |
| Kokomo, IN | 60,311 | 485 | 1,417 | 1,902 |
| Corvallis, OR | 60,773 | 184 | 2,512 | 2,695 |
| Great Falls, MT | 60,209 | 574 | 3,426 | 4,001 |
| Orland Park, IL | 60,161 | 28 | 1,097 | 1,126 |
| Medford, MA | 60,492 | 180 | 1,200 | 1,379 |
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