| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wellesley/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 137 | n/a (estimate) | 437 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 15.9 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 3.2 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 41.5 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 61 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 47.8 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 101 | n/a | 322.1 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 6.4 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 118 | n/a (estimate) | 376 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
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 Wellesley crime rate is lower than the national average by 81.2%. Specifically, there were 19 violent crimes in Wellesley, equivalent to 61 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 83.6%. Furthermore, Wellesley recorded 118 property crimes, amounting to 376 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 80.7%.
Boasting a crime rate of 437, well below the national average of 2324, Wellesley emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Wellesley to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Wellesley has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 61 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Wellesley ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wellesley 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.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Wellesley has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 376 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Wellesley remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Wellesley residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 83% of Wellesley residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 17% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wellesley a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Wellesley crime rate is 81% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.38 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wellesley has increased by 8.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wellesley, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 280%, while property crime has increased by 2.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wellesley is a safe place to live.
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 Wellesley crime rates. In Wellesley, the poverty rate stands at 4.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Wellesley, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
The median home price in Wellesley is $1,212,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| 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 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,884 | 63 | 209 | 272 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,217 | 38 | 275 | 313 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,668 | 76 | 267 | 343 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,864 | 156 | 245 | 401 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Summerlin South, NV | 28,716 | 196 | 1,028 | 1,224 |
| Forest Hills, MI | 28,690 | 199 | 664 | 863 |
| Vero Beach South, FL | 28,676 | 304 | 1,836 | 2,140 |
| Bella Vista, AR | 28,819 | 220 | 425 | 645 |
| Paragould, AR | 28,821 | 1,142 | 3,802 | 4,945 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
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