Holden, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Holden, MA

Is Holden, MA safe?

Holden earns an A+ overall crime grade — the highest possible rating — placing it among the safest communities in Massachusetts and the United States. With a population of 19,128 spread across a low-density 210 residents per square mile, the town's suburban character naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity. Violent crime incidents are exceptionally rare, and property crime rates are well below national benchmarks. Neighborhoods near the Holden Reservoir, Holden Village, and the town center consistently reflect this strong safety profile. For context, communities with an A+ crime grade typically experience crime rates that are 60–80% lower than the national average, meaning residents and visitors can move through Holden with a high degree of confidence.

What is the crime rate in Holden, MA?

Holden's crime rate is one of the lowest you'll find for any Massachusetts town of comparable size, reflected directly in its A+ overall crime grade. The town's socioeconomic profile reinforces this outcome: a median household income of $111,960 (well above the U.S. median), a poverty rate of just 4.6%, and an unemployment rate of 4.9% all correlate strongly with reduced criminal activity. Research consistently shows that communities with poverty rates under 5% experience significantly fewer property and violent crimes than the national norm. In Holden's case, property crimes such as theft and vandalism account for the vast majority of what little criminal activity does occur, while violent crimes represent a negligible fraction of incidents — a pattern typical of A+-rated suburban towns.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Holden?

Because Holden's overall crime grade is A+, safety is broadly consistent across the town rather than concentrated in a few pockets. Areas around Holden Center and the Holden Village district benefit from high foot traffic, active community policing, and well-lit commercial corridors that deter opportunistic crime. Residential streets near Holden Reservoir and the Holden Hill area are particularly quiet, with very low incident density given the town's overall population density of just 210 people per square mile. Neighborhoods adjacent to the town's parks and school zones also tend to have strong neighborhood-watch engagement, which research shows can reduce property crime by up to 16%. In short, Holden does not have identifiable high-crime zones — the A+ grade reflects town-wide safety.

Is Holden, MA a good place to live?

By virtually every measurable indicator, Holden ranks as an excellent place to live. The A+ crime grade is the headline safety figure, but the supporting data is equally compelling. The median home value of $337,134 signals strong demand and neighborhood stability, while the median household income of $111,960 is roughly double the national median — meaning residents have the financial resources to invest in home security, community programs, and local services. The poverty rate of 4.6% is less than half the national average of approximately 11–12%, a factor directly linked to lower crime rates in peer research. Median rent of $1,128 keeps the town accessible to a range of households without the overcrowding pressures that can strain public safety resources. Combined with low population density (210 per sq mi), strong schools, and an active local government, Holden's data profile makes it one of the most attractive suburban communities in Central Massachusetts for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

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

Holden's A+ overall crime grade places it in the top tier of Massachusetts municipalities. While many suburbs in the Worcester County region earn B or B+ grades, an A+ designation is reserved for communities where both violent and property crime rates fall dramatically below state and national averages. Holden's combination of low poverty (4.6%), high median income ($111,960), low density (210 per sq mi), and strong civic engagement creates a compounding safety effect that few towns can match. Residents considering a move from higher-crime urban areas can expect a statistically significant improvement in day-to-day safety — the A+ grade isn't just a label; it reflects a measurable, data-backed reality about life in Holden.