| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wellesley/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 170 | n/a (estimate) | 532 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 9.4 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 37.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 47 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 21 | n/a | 65.7 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 121 | n/a | 378.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 40.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 155 | n/a (estimate) | 485 | 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 Wellesley is 74.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Wellesley, equivalent to 47 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 86.9%. Additionally, Wellesley recorded 155 property crimes, amounting to 485 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 72.5%.
Wellesley enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 532, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Wellesley 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.
Wellesley distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 47 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Wellesley among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Wellesley 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Wellesley has a property crime rate of 485 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Wellesley is a safe place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Wellesley? Well, based on a recent survey of 18 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 83% of Wellesley residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 17% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Wellesley 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, Wellesley has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 75%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.47 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.42 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Wellesley as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Wellesley. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Wellesley has increased by 34.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has increased by 28.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wellesley.
In Wellesley, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Wellesley crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Wellesley, the cost of living is 143.67% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Wellesley are $3,326, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Wellesley | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 51 | 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 |
| Hopedale, MA | 3,750 | 65 | 244 | 309 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,986 | 84 | 243 | 327 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Summerlin South, NV | 29,750 | 174 | 949 | 1,123 |
| Fuquay-Varina, NC | 29,773 | 70 | 580 | 649 |
| Paragould, AR | 29,773 | 915 | 2,898 | 3,813 |
| Port Chester, NY | 29,796 | 284 | 1,286 | 1,570 |
| Ridgecrest, CA | 29,800 | 676 | 1,074 | 1,750 |
| Wellesley, MA | 29,744 | 47 | 485 | 532 |
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