A+
72%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
70%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleArlington/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime296n/a (estimate)6541,3922,324
Murder0n/a0.02.16.3
Rape2n/a4.429.140.0
Robbery2n/a4.437.766.1
Assault23n/a50.8253.1268.2
Violent crime27n/a (estimate)60322370
Burglary46n/a101.7142.8269.8
Theft204n/a450.9827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft19n/a42.099.7282.7
Property crime269n/a (estimate)5951,0701,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Arlington, 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 Arlington crime rate is lower than the national average by 71.9%. Specifically, there were 27 violent crimes in Arlington, equivalent to 60 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 83.9%. Furthermore, Arlington recorded 269 property crimes, amounting to 595 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 69.6%.

Arlington has a crime rate of 654, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Arlington being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Arlington stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 60 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Arlington secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Arlington 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.

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, Arlington has a property crime rate of 595 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Arlington is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Arlington?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Arlington residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 89% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Arlington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 11% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Arlington a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Arlington 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 Arlington crime rate is 72% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.81 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.74 property crimes.

Has Crime in Arlington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Arlington. 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 Arlington has increased by 92.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 42.1%, while property crime has increased by 99.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Arlington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Arlington

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 Arlington, the cost of living is 60.81% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Arlington, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.79 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In Arlington, the median home price stands at $687,600, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Arlington crime map



The Arlington crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Arlington 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 Arlington crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Arlington 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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Compare Arlington, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Arlington crime rates are 72% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Arlington are 84% lower than the national average
      • In Arlington you have a 1 in 153 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Arlington is safer than 85% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Arlington has increased by 94%

      Arlington, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Arlington (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Arlington on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Massachusetts and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Arlington (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Massachusetts, are 2.13 times less than the state average and 3.55 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Arlington on a daily basis are 5.40 times less than than Massachusetts average and 6.20 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Arlington are 1.80 times less than the daily state average and 3.29 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Arlington (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Arlington in comparison to other Massachusetts communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Arlington safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Arlington being safer than 82% of cities in Massachusetts and 85% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Massachusetts cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Arlington. In conclusion, Arlington ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Arlington

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Arlington is 1 in 1676
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Arlington is 1 in 169
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Arlington is 1 in 153
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Arlington, Massachusetts? If you reside in Arlington, then there is a 1 in 1676 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 169. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 153 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Arlington.

        Year Over Year Crime In Arlington (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Arlington is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Arlington violent crime rates have increased by 43%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 102% year over year. Total crimes for Arlington has increased by 95% in the same time frame.

        Arlington police department

        Item Arlington Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)7811,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.82.23.3
        There are a total of 78 Arlington police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 17.1% less than the Massachusetts average and 45.1% less than the National average.

        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
        Dover, MA2,51885119203
        Nahant, MA3,51230211241
        Winchester, MA22,76040271311
        Lexington, MA33,30444286330
        Wellesley, MA28,74761376437
        Cochituate, MA6,730105348453
        Milton, MA27,59025492517
        Arlington, MA45,37960595654

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Oro Valley, AZ45,303331,1871,220
        West Seneca, NY45,2721401,7621,902
        Hilo, HI45,2483663,4283,794
        Herriman, UT45,21176780856
        Rockwall, TX45,1681021,5351,638
        Arlington, MA45,37960595654
        Source: The Arlington, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.