Dedham, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Dedham, MA

Is Dedham, MA safe?

Yes — Dedham earns an overall crime grade of B+, placing it among the safer communities in the Greater Boston area. With a population of roughly 25,330 and a population density of 952 residents per square mile, the town maintains a manageable scale that supports effective community policing. Property crimes — such as theft and vandalism — account for the large majority of reported incidents, while violent crimes remain comparatively rare. Neighborhoods near the historic Oakdale district and areas bordering the Westwood town line consistently reflect lower incident concentrations on the crime map. A poverty rate of just 4.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.7% are both statistically linked to lower crime environments, and Dedham's numbers on both fronts are well below state and national averages.

What is the crime rate in Dedham, MA?

Dedham's crime profile earns a B+ letter grade overall, reflecting a below-average risk level relative to U.S. cities of comparable size. Property crime is the dominant category, driven primarily by theft, motor vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — incident types that tend to cluster near commercial corridors rather than residential blocks. Violent crime rates are notably low, consistent with a community that has a median household income of $101,780 and a poverty rate of only 4.8%. Research consistently shows that communities with higher median incomes and lower poverty rates experience fewer violent incidents per capita, and Dedham fits that pattern well. The town's unemployment rate of 3.7% — below the national average — further supports a stable public-safety environment.

Which neighborhoods in Dedham have the lowest crime?

While granular block-level grades shift with updated incident data, several Dedham neighborhoods are consistently associated with lower crime activity. The Oakdale area, with its well-established residential character and active neighborhood watch presence, tends to show fewer incidents on the crime map. The Riverdale district and streets near the Dedham Town Center benefit from regular police patrol visibility, which acts as a deterrent to opportunistic property crime. Areas along the Westwood border — characterized by lower density and larger lot sizes — also tend to record fewer incidents. Conversely, higher-traffic commercial zones near major retail corridors see a greater share of theft-related incidents, which is typical of most suburban towns and is reflected in Dedham's overall B+ grade rather than a perfect A.

Is Dedham a good place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Dedham ranks as a strong choice for residents prioritizing safety alongside quality of life. The town's B+ overall crime grade signals a low-risk environment, and its economic fundamentals reinforce that picture: a median home value of $480,918, a median household income of $101,780, and a poverty rate of only 4.8% all point to a stable, prosperous community. The median rent of $1,823 is competitive for the Boston metro area, and the 3.7% unemployment rate suggests residents have solid access to employment. Combined with Dedham's proximity to Boston, its historic neighborhoods like Oakdale, and its well-regarded public schools, the data paints a consistent picture: Dedham offers suburban safety without sacrificing urban accessibility.

How does Dedham's crime grade compare to other Massachusetts towns?

Dedham's B+ overall crime grade places it in the upper tier of Massachusetts suburban communities. Towns at this grade level typically see property crime rates that are 20–35% below the national average and violent crime rates that are even further below that benchmark. Dedham's combination of low poverty (4.8%), low unemployment (3.7%), and a mid-to-high median income ($101,780) mirrors the demographic profile of other B+ and A-rated suburbs in Norfolk County. While no community is crime-free, a B+ grade means that the vast majority of Dedham residents go about daily life — whether in Oakdale, Riverdale, or near the Town Center — without encountering serious criminal activity.