| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Needham/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 229 | n/a (estimate) | 699 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 12.2 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 39.7 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 52 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 73.2 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 176 | n/a | 536.9 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 36.6 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 212 | n/a (estimate) | 647 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Needham is 67% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes reported in Needham, equivalent to 52 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 85.6%. Additionally, Needham recorded 212 property crimes, amounting to 647 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 63.3%.
Needham enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 699, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Needham as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
With only 52 incidents per 100,000 people, Needham boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Needham has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Needham 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Needham maintains a property crime rate of 647 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Needham as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Needham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 100% of people answered that there was very little crime in Needham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 0% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Needham 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. Needham has a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.63 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.58 daily property crimes) in Needham.
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 Needham 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 Needham has increased by 67.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 21.4% and property crime has increased by 72.4%.
Needham has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.81 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Needham stands at $1,663,621, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
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 Needham are $2,455, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Needham | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,982 | 49 | 174 | 224 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,394 | 37 | 240 | 277 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,986 | 84 | 243 | 327 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Franklin Town, MA | 34,557 | 95 | 288 | 383 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Needham, MA | 32,325 | 52 | 647 | 699 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| American Fork, UT | 32,330 | 120 | 1,458 | 1,578 |
| Southlake, TX | 32,343 | 32 | 1,000 | 1,032 |
| West Bend, WI | 32,289 | 238 | 1,171 | 1,409 |
| Garfield, NJ | 32,363 | 199 | 1,751 | 1,950 |
| Saratoga, CA | 32,244 | 89 | 600 | 689 |
| Needham, MA | 32,325 | 52 | 647 | 699 |
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