Lynn, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Lynn, MA

Is Lynn, MA safe in 2026?

Lynn carries an overall crime grade of D+ at the city level, but that number tells only part of the story. When analysts break the city into its 7 distinct neighborhoods, the picture improves considerably: 71% of neighborhoods earn a combined A or B rating, and the city-wide neighborhood safety rating averages out to a B. Of the 7 neighborhoods studied, 1 (14.3%) earns an A grade and 4 (57.1%) earn B grades, meaning the majority of Lynn residents live in areas with relatively low crime. Only 2 neighborhoods (28.6%) fall into the C range, and zero neighborhoods receive a D or F. The takeaway: safety in Lynn varies significantly by neighborhood, and most of the city is safer than the overall grade might suggest.

What is the crime rate in Lynn, MA?

Over the most recent 90-day period, Lynn recorded 2,981 total crime incidents across all categories. The breakdown reveals important patterns. Assault is the most common incident type at 17% (500 cases), followed closely by theft at 16% (491 cases) and a broad "other" category also at 16% (473 cases). Arrests accounted for 14% (413), while drug offenses made up 11% (329 incidents). Property-related crimes round out the picture: motor vehicle theft at 9% (270 cases), burglary at 9% (254 cases), and vandalism at 8% (251 cases). Assault and theft together represent roughly one-third of all reported incidents, underscoring why personal and property vigilance matters most in Lynn. The most recent incidents across all categories were logged as recently as April 16, 2026.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Lynn, MA?

Based on 2026 neighborhood crime data, Lynn Woods is the safest neighborhood in the city, earning an A+ grade. With a population of about 6,214 and a median household income of $112,500 — nearly double the city median — Lynn Woods stands out as a low-crime enclave. Close behind are Lynn English (B+, median income $84,247) and Chatham Street (B+, median income $73,026), both of which significantly outperform the city's overall income average of $61,329. West Lynn also earns a B+ despite a more modest median income of $51,373, suggesting its safety profile is driven by factors beyond income alone. The Diamond District rounds out the upper tier with a B- grade. Collectively, these five neighborhoods account for the bulk of Lynn's safest residential options and represent a strong starting point for anyone researching where to live or visit.

Which neighborhoods in Lynn have higher crime?

The two neighborhoods with the most elevated crime grades are Central Lynn (C-) and Fayette Street (C+). Central Lynn is also the most populous neighborhood analyzed, with 11,141 residents and the lowest median household income in the dataset at $35,515 — roughly 42% below the city median. Fayette Street similarly reflects economic pressure, with a median income of $44,497 and a population of 6,353. It is worth noting that even these neighborhoods do not reach D or F territory; a C- and C+ still represent a middle-of-the-road risk level rather than a severe danger zone. The Diamond District (B-) sits just above these two and may see more property-type incidents given its commercial and coastal character. Understanding these distinctions helps residents and visitors calibrate their awareness without overstating the risk.

What types of crime are most common in Lynn?

Looking at the 2,981 incidents logged in the past 90 days, violent and person-based crimes lead the list: assault alone accounts for 17% of all incidents (500 cases), making it the single largest category. Theft follows at 16% (491 cases), reflecting a significant property-crime burden. Drug offenses — at 11% (329 incidents) — highlight ongoing challenges that often correlate with both property and violent crime trends. On the property destruction side, vandalism represents 8% (251 incidents), while burglary (9%, 254 cases) and motor vehicle theft (9%, 270 cases) together mean that roughly 1 in 5 incidents involves a vehicle or a break-in. Residents in areas like Central Lynn and Fayette Street, where economic stress is higher, may encounter these property crimes more frequently, while neighborhoods like Lynn Woods and Lynn English tend to see lower incident volumes across all categories.

Is Lynn a good place to live in 2026?

Lynn offers a nuanced picture for prospective residents. The city's median household income of $61,329 and median home value of $354,323 place it in a mid-range affordability tier for the greater Boston area, and a median rent of $1,241 makes it comparatively accessible. The unemployment rate of 6.4% and poverty rate of 15.8% are above state averages and do correlate with the crime patterns seen in lower-income neighborhoods like Central Lynn. However, 71% of analyzed neighborhoods earn a safe A or B grade, and areas like Lynn Woods, Lynn English, and Chatham Street deliver genuinely low-crime environments with strong community character. For families prioritizing safety, targeting B+ and A-rated neighborhoods is a practical strategy. Lynn's coastal access, transit connections, and diverse community culture add livability factors that raw crime data alone cannot capture. As with any city, neighborhood selection matters enormously.

How does Lynn's crime compare to other Massachusetts cities?

Lynn's overall crime grade of D+ places it in the lower tier among Massachusetts municipalities, reflecting its urban density of 3,386 residents per square mile and socioeconomic pressures including a 15.8% poverty rate. However, the neighborhood-level B safety rating — with 71% of neighborhoods graded A or B — suggests that the city's crime is concentrated rather than uniformly distributed. This pattern is common in mid-sized New England cities where historic industrial cores (like Central Lynn, graded C-) carry heavier crime burdens while surrounding residential areas (like Lynn Woods at A+ and Lynn English at B+) remain comparatively safe. The 90-day incident total of 2,981 across a population of 94,201 reflects a per-capita rate that, while elevated, is shaped heavily by a handful of high-density, lower-income neighborhoods. Prospective residents comparing Lynn to nearby cities should weigh both the city-wide grade and the neighborhood-specific grades together for the most accurate picture.