| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Somerville/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,570 | n/a (estimate) | 1,920 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 15.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 24.5 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 148 | n/a | 181.0 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 181 | n/a (estimate) | 221 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 237 | n/a | 289.9 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,046 | n/a | 1,279.3 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 106 | n/a | 129.6 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,389 | n/a (estimate) | 1,699 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
The Somerville crime rates are 9.4% lower 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 181 violent crimes in Somerville (221 per 100,000 people), which is 38.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1389 property crimes (1699 per 100,000 residents) which is 3.5% lower than average.
In terms of the total Somerville crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Somerville, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
In the most recently reported crime year, Somerville registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Somerville maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Somerville, 1699 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Somerville residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 72% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Somerville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 28% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Somerville, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Somerville presents a total crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Somerville experiences an average of 4.3 daily crimes, comprising 0.5 violent incidents and 3.81 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 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 Somerville 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 Somerville has increased by 46.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 19.1% and property crime has increased by 50.5%.
In Somerville, the poverty rate currently stands at 11.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Somerville crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Somerville, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Somerville, 87.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
| Item | Somerville | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 138 | 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 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
| Somerville, MA | 84,018 | 221 | 1,699 | 1,920 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Buena Park, CA | 83,989 | 250 | 2,363 | 2,613 |
| Manteca, CA | 84,071 | 347 | 1,469 | 1,816 |
| The Villages, FL | 84,115 | 123 | 653 | 776 |
| Medford, OR | 84,271 | 492 | 3,832 | 4,324 |
| Cicero, IL | 84,320 | 347 | 1,234 | 1,581 |
| Somerville, MA | 84,018 | 221 | 1,699 | 1,920 |
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