Fall River, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall River, MA Crime

What is Fall River's overall crime grade?

Fall River earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026. That places it in a middle tier — meaningfully safer than many comparably sized Massachusetts cities, but still with room for improvement. The city's 18.3% poverty rate and 7.8% unemployment rate — both above state averages — correlate with elevated property crime in certain corridors, while other neighborhoods remain largely incident-free. A B- grade means most residents go about daily life without incident, but awareness of local hotspots remains worthwhile.

How does Fall River's crime rate compare to similar cities?

With a population of 89,618 and a density of 1,044 residents per square mile, Fall River sits in a mid-density urban category. Its B- overall grade reflects a crime profile that is moderate rather than severe. Property crimes — including theft and burglary — account for the largest share of reported incidents citywide, which is consistent with national trends for cities where the median household income ($46,007) falls below the state median. Violent crime incidents, while present, are concentrated in specific high-density pockets rather than distributed evenly across the city.

Which Fall River neighborhoods have the highest and lowest crime?

Crime in Fall River is not evenly distributed. The North End and areas near Battleship Cove tend to see more consistent community presence and lower reported incident rates, making them among the more stable residential zones. By contrast, densely populated corridors in the South End and parts of Globe Village historically record higher concentrations of property crime and drug-related calls. The Highlands neighborhood generally trends calmer, reflecting its slightly higher owner-occupancy rates. Always cross-reference the live crime map for current patterns, since conditions shift seasonally.

What types of crime are most common in Fall River?

Property crime dominates Fall River's incident reports, consistent with its B- grade. Theft — including shoplifting and motor vehicle theft — represents the single largest category of offenses. Burglary reports cluster in areas with lower median rents (the city median is $834/month), particularly in multi-family housing corridors. Assault and domestic disturbance calls make up the bulk of violent crime reports, with drug-related offenses serving as a compounding factor in neighborhoods where the poverty rate exceeds the citywide 18.3% figure. Vandalism and disorderly conduct round out the most frequently mapped incident types.

Is Fall River safe to live in?

For most residents, yes — Fall River's B- crime grade indicates that the majority of the city's 89,618 residents experience safe day-to-day conditions. The city's affordability is a genuine draw: a median home value of $257,305 and median rent of $834 make it accessible compared to eastern Massachusetts markets. That said, livability varies by neighborhood. Areas like the North End and the Highlands offer quieter residential environments, while prospective residents eyeing the South End or Globe Village should review the crime map carefully and factor in proximity to active commercial corridors. Community engagement programs and the Fall River Police Department's ongoing initiatives continue to drive incremental safety improvements year over year.

How can I use the Fall River crime map effectively?

The most actionable approach is to filter the map by crime type and time range simultaneously. For example, filtering for theft incidents over the past 90 days will reveal whether a specific block near your home or a prospective rental shows a persistent pattern or isolated spikes. Given that Fall River's property crime share is the dominant driver of its B- grade, paying close attention to burglary and motor vehicle theft clusters is especially useful. Cross-reference heat map layers with the city's 1,044 residents per square mile density data — higher-density blocks in the South End and downtown core tend to show more incident markers simply due to population concentration. The Fall River Police Department publishes incident logs that complement the visual map with raw report data.