Bedford, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford, MA Crime

What is Bedford's overall crime grade for 2026?

Bedford, MA earns an A+ overall crime grade for 2026 — the highest possible rating. With a population of approximately 14,136 and a poverty rate of just 2.4%, Bedford consistently outperforms state and national benchmarks. Over the last 90 days, the town recorded 1,456 total reported incidents across all categories. While that number may sound significant, it is important to understand what drives it: assault reports account for 22% (326 incidents) and DUI/traffic incidents make up 17% (253 incidents), many of which reflect enforcement activity rather than community danger. The A+ grade reflects Bedford's low rate of serious violent and property crime relative to its population size.

What types of crime are most common in Bedford?

Based on the most recent 90-day incident data (1,456 total reports), the breakdown by category is as follows:

• Assault: 22% (326 incidents) — the largest single category, though many of these involve minor altercations rather than serious violent crime.
• DUI/Traffic: 17% (253 incidents) — reflecting active traffic enforcement across Bedford's road network.
• Theft: 16% (227 incidents) — general theft is the third most reported category.
• Arrests: 11% (162 incidents) — a broad category covering various enforcement actions.
• Retail Theft: 10% (144 incidents) — consistent with patterns seen in suburban communities with commercial corridors.
• Other/Miscellaneous: 9% (136 incidents)
• Vandalism: 8% (119 incidents)
• Drug Offenses: 6% (89 incidents) — the least prevalent tracked category, suggesting limited narcotics activity relative to peer communities.

Notably, drug offenses represent the smallest share of activity at just 6%, while property-related incidents (theft plus retail theft) combine for roughly 26% of all reports — a profile typical of a prosperous, low-crime suburban town.

Is Bedford, MA a safe place to live in 2026?

Yes — Bedford is one of the safest communities in Massachusetts. Its A+ crime grade is supported by strong socioeconomic indicators: a median household income of $133,824, a poverty rate of only 2.4%, and a median home value of $701,550. Research consistently links higher income levels and lower poverty rates with reduced violent crime. With a population density of just 399 people per square mile, Bedford's suburban, low-density layout also limits the concentration of crime hotspots. Residents of neighborhoods near Old Bedford Village and the town's historic residential districts report a high quality of life and strong community cohesion, both of which are associated with lower crime over time.

How does Bedford's crime rate compare to other Massachusetts towns?

Bedford's A+ overall crime grade places it in the top tier of Massachusetts municipalities. To put the incident data in context: 1,456 reports over 90 days across a town of 14,136 residents reflects a per-capita rate well below state averages for similarly sized communities. The composition of those incidents matters too — with drug offenses at only 6% and serious violent crime a small fraction of the assault category, Bedford's profile is far closer to a quiet suburban enclave than an urban center. Communities with comparable populations but lower median incomes and higher poverty rates typically see significantly higher percentages of violent and property crime.

What are the safest areas in Bedford, MA?

While Bedford as a whole earns an A+ crime grade, historically quieter residential pockets include the areas surrounding Old Bedford Village and the established single-family neighborhoods along the town's western and northern edges. These areas benefit from low population density, strong homeownership rates, and active community engagement. The town's low overall vandalism rate — just 8% of all incidents (119 reports) — suggests that even public and commercial spaces remain relatively well-maintained and monitored. For the most granular, block-level picture, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date range.

Is property crime a concern in Bedford?

Property crime exists in Bedford but remains modest given the town's size. Combining theft (16%, 227 incidents) and retail theft (10%, 144 incidents), property-related offenses account for roughly 26% of all recent reports. Vandalism adds another 8% (119 incidents). For context, these figures span a full 90-day window across the entire town. The median home value of $701,550 and median rent of $2,031 indicate a community where residents invest significantly in their properties — and typically take corresponding precautions such as home security systems and well-lit exteriors. Standard preventive measures remain the best defense against opportunistic property crime.

Is Bedford, MA a good place to raise a family?

Bedford consistently ranks as one of the most family-friendly towns in the greater Boston area. The A+ crime grade, combined with a 2.4% poverty rate — among the lowest in the state — and a median household income of $133,824, creates an environment where families can thrive. The town's low unemployment rate of 6.5% and strong school system further reinforce its appeal. With drug offenses representing just 6% of all incidents and serious violent crime rare within the overall assault category, parents can feel confident about community safety. Bedford's low population density of 399 residents per square mile also means less urban congestion and more open, accessible public space for families.