Lexington, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lexington, MA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lexington is 85.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lexington, there were 15 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 44 per 100,000 individuals, 88% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 97 property crimes, amounting to 286 per 100,000 residents, 85.4% lower than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 330, significantly below the national average of 2324, Lexington stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

Lexington distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 44 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Lexington among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Lexington recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

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, Lexington maintains a property crime rate of 286 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Lexington as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lexington?

AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Lexington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lexington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Lexington a Safe Place to Live?

Is Lexington 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, Lexington has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 86%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.31 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.27 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lexington as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Lexington Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Lexington has decreased by 9.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lexington 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 decreased by 34.8%, while property crime has decreased by 4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lexington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lexington

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Lexington crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Lexington has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Lexington, 96.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Lexington, the cost of living is 89.31% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Lexington crime map