| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Malden/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 953 | n/a (estimate) | 1,481 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 4.7 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 24 | n/a | 37.3 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 123 | n/a | 191.1 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 150 | n/a (estimate) | 233 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 68 | n/a | 105.7 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 607 | n/a | 943.2 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 128 | n/a | 198.9 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 803 | n/a (estimate) | 1,248 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
The Malden crime rates are 36.3% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 150 violent crimes in Malden (233 per 100,000 people), which is 37% lower than the national average and there were a total of 803 property crimes (1248 per 100,000 residents) which is 36.2% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Malden 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Malden. Based on the results of the surveys (49 responses), 88% of people felt that there was very little crime in Malden and felt safe walking alone at night. While 12% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Malden is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Malden has a total crime rate that is 36% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.61 daily crimes (0.41 violent daily crimes and 2.2 daily property crimes) in Malden.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Malden. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Malden has increased by 9.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.2%, while property crimes have increased by 12.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Malden, the poverty rate currently stands at 15.6%, 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 Malden crime rates.
In Malden, 83.1% 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.
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 Malden, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.88 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.
| Item | Malden | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 114 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 30 | 211 | 241 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,046 | 61 | 365 | 425 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,730 | 105 | 348 | 453 |
| Malden, MA | 60,710 | 233 | 1,248 | 1,481 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Terre Haute, IN | 60,690 | 581 | 4,745 | 5,326 |
| Marietta, GA | 60,687 | 440 | 2,472 | 2,912 |
| Leander, TX | 60,613 | 382 | 2,033 | 2,415 |
| Monterey Park, CA | 60,597 | 264 | 2,103 | 2,367 |
| Millcreek, UT | 60,828 | 188 | 1,472 | 1,660 |
| Malden, MA | 60,710 | 233 | 1,248 | 1,481 |
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