Bellingham, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Bellingham, MA

What is Bellingham's overall crime grade?

Bellingham, MA earns an A+ overall crime grade — the highest possible rating. This places Bellingham among the safest communities not just in Massachusetts, but nationally. With a population of approximately 17,196 and a population density of just 361 residents per square mile, the town's suburban, spread-out character naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity. The A+ grade reflects consistently low incident rates across both property and violent crime categories, making Bellingham a standout performer in regional safety comparisons.

How does Bellingham's crime rate compare to national averages?

Bellingham significantly outperforms national benchmarks across virtually every crime metric. Several socioeconomic indicators help explain why: the town's poverty rate sits at just 2.8% — far below the U.S. national average of roughly 12–13% — and its median household income of $103,258 is well above the national median of approximately $75,000. Research consistently links lower poverty and higher household income to reduced crime rates. Bellingham's unemployment rate of 3.9% also reflects a stable local economy, another factor strongly correlated with community safety. Taken together, these data points reinforce the town's A+ crime grade.

What types of crime are most common in Bellingham?

Consistent with most low-crime suburban communities, the incidents that do occur in Bellingham are predominantly property-related — such as occasional vehicle break-ins, minor theft, and vandalism — rather than violent crimes. Assaults and other violent incidents are notably rare given the town's demographics and density. The town's median home value of $325,627 and median rent of $1,547 per month reflect a community where residents have significant financial stake in maintaining neighborhood quality, which tends to reinforce collective vigilance and lower opportunistic crime.

What are the safest areas in Bellingham, MA?

Because Bellingham as a whole earns an A+ crime grade, the entire town can be considered safe by any reasonable measure. Residential neighborhoods near the town center and quieter subdivisions throughout the community all benefit from the town's low overall crime environment. The combination of low population density (361 people per square mile), strong median incomes, and active local law enforcement means that no particular pocket of Bellingham stands out as a high-risk area. Families, retirees, and professionals across all parts of town report a secure, peaceful living experience.

Is Bellingham a good place to live based on the data?

The data makes a compelling case. Bellingham's A+ crime grade pairs with a median household income of $103,258, a median home value of $325,627, and a poverty rate of only 2.8% — all indicators of a healthy, stable community. The unemployment rate of 3.9% signals a local economy that keeps residents financially secure, which in turn supports the town's low crime environment. For homebuyers and renters alike, Bellingham offers a rare combination: strong economic fundamentals, top-tier safety ratings, and a suburban quality of life that is difficult to match in the Greater Boston region.

How can I stay updated on crime activity in Bellingham?

Residents can monitor local safety conditions through several channels. The Bellingham Police Department's official website publishes incident reports and community safety updates. Third-party tools such as SpotCrime and CrimeMapping.com provide interactive, regularly updated crime maps with incident-level detail. Given Bellingham's A+ overall crime grade and low baseline incident rates, major fluctuations are uncommon — but staying informed is always a smart practice. Signing up for local neighborhood alerts and participating in community watch programs can help maintain the town's exceptional safety record going forward.