B+
5%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
57%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
6%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWatertown Town/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime722n/a (estimate)2,0121,4272,119
Murder0n/a0.01.85.0
Rape9n/a25.127.637.5
Robbery3n/a8.436.060.6
Assault43n/a119.8249.3256.1
Violent crime55n/a (estimate)153315359
Burglary19n/a52.9130.3229.2
Theft639n/a1,780.7876.31,272.1
Vehicle theft9n/a25.1105.5258.8
Property crime667n/a (estimate)1,8591,1121,760

Watertown Town crime map

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The Watertown Town crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Watertown Town as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Watertown Town crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Watertown Town crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Watertown Town, MA

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 Watertown Town crime rate is lower than the national average by 5.1%. Specifically, there were 55 violent crimes in Watertown Town, equivalent to 153 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 57.3%. Furthermore, Watertown Town recorded 667 property crimes, amounting to 1859 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 5.6%.

The Watertown Town 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 Watertown Town, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Watertown Town 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.

Watertown Town exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1859 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Watertown Town maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Watertown Town?

What do the local residents think about crime in Watertown Town? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 75% of Watertown Town residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 25% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Watertown Town a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Watertown Town, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watertown Town presents a total crime rate that is 5% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watertown Town experiences an average of 1.98 daily crimes, comprising 0.15 violent incidents and 1.83 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Watertown Town Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Watertown Town has increased by 141.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Watertown Town 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 52.8%, while property crime has increased by 153.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Watertown Town.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watertown Town

In Watertown Town, the poverty rate currently stands at 6.4%, 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 Watertown Town crime rates.

Watertown Town has a population density of 9159.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Watertown Town crime rates.

In Watertown Town, the cost of living is 71.04% 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.

Compare Watertown Town, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Watertown Town crime rates are 5% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Watertown Town are 57% lower than the national average
      • In Watertown Town you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Watertown Town is safer than 44% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Watertown Town has increased by 38%

      Watertown Town, MA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Watertown Town

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        Daily Crime In Watertown Town (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Watertown Town, Massachusetts is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Watertown Town are 1.41 times more than the Massachusetts average and 1.05 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Watertown Town are 2.05 times less than than Massachusetts and 2.34 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Watertown Town are 1.67 times more than than Massachusetts and 1.06 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Watertown Town (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Watertown Town, Massachusetts compared to other areas of Massachusetts, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Watertown Town safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Watertown Town is safer than 32% of Massachusetts cities, and 44% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Massachusetts, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Watertown Town. At this time, Watertown Town sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Watertown Town

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Watertown Town is 1 in 653
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Watertown Town is 1 in 54
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Watertown Town is 1 in 50
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Watertown Town? If you reside in Watertown Town, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 653. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 54 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Watertown Town, is 1 in 50.

        Year Over Year Crime In Watertown Town (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Watertown Town, Massachusetts (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Watertown Town has increased by 12%, the amount of property crime in Watertown Town has increased by 41%, and the total amount of crime in Watertown Town has increased by 38% year over year.

        Watertown Town police department

        Item Watertown Town Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a11,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a2.23.3

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Medfield, MA6,867149231380
        Lexington, MA34,05852335387
        Winchester, MA23,43017383400
        West Concord, MA7,498102362464
        Cochituate, MA6,978102362464
        Arlington, MA46,74255434490
        Melrose, MA29,146101430530
        Watertown Town, MA36,5681531,8592,012

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Olney, MD36,5491818861,067
        Temple City, CA36,5312211,0541,275
        Princeton, FL36,6092161,1491,366
        South Miami Heights, FL36,5222441,2991,543
        West Hollywood, CA36,6198845,4916,375
        Watertown Town, MA36,5681531,8592,012
        Source: The Watertown Town, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.