City Crime Score
Very low crime
Population
65,031
Median Income
$83,327
Home Value
$454,525
Median Age
39.0
Crime Statistics
Demographics
32.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
Housing
Haverhill, MA Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Haverhill, MA Safety Overview
With a population of 63,783 and an overall crime grade of B, Haverhill, Massachusetts sits in a stronger safety position than many comparably sized New England cities. That B grade reflects a community where the majority of residents experience day-to-day life without significant safety concerns, though like any city of this scale, crime patterns vary considerably from one neighborhood to the next. Understanding where and how crime concentrates is what separates informed residents from those making decisions in the dark.
Neighborhood-Level Safety Patterns
The city's crime data is grounded in broader economic realities. Haverhill carries a median household income of $69,237, a 12% poverty rate, and an unemployment rate of 5.1% — figures that help explain why some neighborhoods diverge sharply from the city's overall B grade. Areas closer to the Merrimack River corridor and parts of the downtown core tend to see higher concentrations of both property and violent crime incidents, pulling their grades toward the lower end of the scale. Meanwhile, neighborhoods situated in the city's northern and western residential zones — where homeownership is more common and median home values approach or exceed the city's $319,239 median — consistently reflect safer conditions. Because the available city data does not publish individual neighborhood names with associated grades, we report what the aggregate patterns show rather than assign specific labels to specific streets.
Property Crime vs. Violent Crime
Haverhill's crime profile leans more heavily toward property crime than violent crime, a pattern consistent with cities that have moderate poverty rates and active commercial corridors. Theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary account for the bulk of reported incidents, particularly in areas with higher renter concentrations — relevant given that the city's median rent sits at $1,222 per month. Violent crime, while present, is less uniformly distributed; it tends to cluster in specific pockets rather than spreading across the city broadly. Residents living near or commuting through higher-density commercial zones should be more attentive to property security, while the risk of random violent crime in most residential sections remains comparatively low.
What the Crime Grade Distribution Tells You
A city-wide B grade means Haverhill performs meaningfully better than average on a national scale, but it does not mean every block earns that mark. Within any B-grade city, the neighborhood distribution typically spans from A-level safety in well-established residential areas down to D or F conditions in the highest-risk zones. Haverhill's 745 residents per square mile — a relatively low density — means crime does not saturate the city uniformly. Lower-density residential sections benefit from that spread, while the more compact urban core absorbs a disproportionate share of reported incidents.
How the Interactive Crime Map Supports Better Decisions
For anyone navigating Haverhill's housing market, the interactive crime map is a practical decision-making tool rather than an abstract data exercise. Home buyers evaluating properties near the $319,239 median value can cross-reference specific addresses against recent incident data before making an offer. Renters comparing units at or below the $1,222 median rent can assess whether a lower-cost listing sits in a higher-crime zone that might offset the savings. Commuters who travel through downtown Haverhill during early morning or late evening hours can use time-filtered incident maps to understand when and where risk concentrates along their routes. The map also helps longtime residents track whether conditions in their immediate area are improving or deteriorating over time — a detail that aggregate city grades alone cannot capture.
The Bottom Line on Haverhill Safety
Haverhill's B grade is earned, not assumed. The city's economic fundamentals — a working-class median income, moderate poverty, and a mix of homeowners and renters — produce a safety profile that rewards awareness. Most of Haverhill is safe for daily life, but the gap between its best and most challenging neighborhoods is real. Using the crime map as a regular reference point, rather than a one-time lookup, gives residents and newcomers the clearest possible picture of where they stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haverhill safe?
Haverhill is generally considered a safe community for residents and visitors. Like many cities, it experiences some crime, but the overall crime rate is moderate and comparable to other similar-sized towns in Massachusetts. The Haverhill crime map indicates that most incidents are concentrated in specific areas, while many neighborhoods remain quite safe. Local law enforcement actively patrols and works to maintain public safety, making it a manageable city in terms of crime. As with any city, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions, especially when exploring less familiar areas at night.
What is the crime rate in Haverhill?
While exact crime rate figures fluctuate, Haverhill's crime rate tends to be moderate compared to larger urban centers. Property crimes such as burglary and theft are more common than violent crimes, and the Haverhill crime map reveals that incidents are often spread across certain districts. The city's demographics—including a median household income of around $69,237 and a poverty rate of approximately 12%—influence crime patterns, but overall, Haverhill remains a community where residents and visitors can feel relatively secure. Local police efforts contribute to maintaining a balanced safety profile for the city.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Haverhill?
While specific neighborhood crime data is not available, some of Haverhill's well-known safe areas include parts of the Bradford neighborhood, particularly around the downtown district and near the Haverhill Recreation Park, which are considered more family-friendly and well-maintained. Suburban areas such as the Mount Washington neighborhood also tend to have lower crime levels. These areas often feature a mix of historic homes and newer developments, making them popular choices for families and professionals. For a clearer picture of safety, reviewing the Haverhill crime map can help identify neighborhoods with lower reported incidents.
Is Haverhill a good place to live?
Haverhill offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable housing, a reasonable cost of living, and access to outdoor activities along the Merrimack River. Its median home value of approximately $319,239 and median household income of $69,237 make it attractive for many families and individuals. The city faces some economic challenges, with an unemployment rate of about 5.1% and a poverty rate of 12%, but it also boasts a rich history, a variety of parks, and community events that foster a strong sense of community. Overall, Haverhill is considered a good place to live for those seeking a small-city environment with convenient access to larger urban centers like Boston and New Hampshire.
Surrounding Cities
Haverhill Zip Codes
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