| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Newton/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 583 | n/a (estimate) | 648 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 10.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 1.1 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 37.8 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 49 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 57 | n/a | 63.4 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 451 | n/a | 501.5 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 34.5 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 539 | n/a (estimate) | 599 | 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 Newton is 69.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 44 violent crimes reported in Newton, equivalent to 49 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 86.4%. Additionally, Newton recorded 539 property crimes, amounting to 599 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66%.
Newton has a crime rate of 648, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Newton being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
Newton stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Newton secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Newton 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, Newton maintains a property crime rate of 599 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Newton as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Newton? Well, based on a recent survey of 26 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 85% of Newton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 15% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Newton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Newton presents a total crime rate that is 69% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Newton experiences an average of 1.6 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 1.48 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Newton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Newton has increased by 4.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 20%, while property crimes have increased by 6.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Newton crime rates. In Newton, the poverty rate stands at 4.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Newton, the cost of living is 108.39% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Newton has an average rental rate of $2,869 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Newton | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 169 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,394 | 37 | 240 | 277 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Newton, MA | 90,578 | 49 | 599 | 648 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ogden, UT | 90,520 | 505 | 1,925 | 2,431 |
| Fort Smith, AR | 90,724 | 842 | 3,684 | 4,527 |
| Citrus Heights, CA | 90,373 | 439 | 2,127 | 2,566 |
| Reading, PA | 90,906 | 337 | 1,435 | 1,772 |
| Champaign, IL | 90,911 | 502 | 2,279 | 2,781 |
| Newton, MA | 90,578 | 49 | 599 | 648 |
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