Massena, NY Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Massena, NY

What is Massena's overall crime grade?

Massena earns an A- overall crime grade, which places it among the safer communities in New York State. For a town of approximately 12,140 residents, this rating reflects a meaningfully lower crime burden than many comparable small cities. The A- grade accounts for both property and violent crime frequencies relative to population, and signals that the vast majority of residents go about daily life without encountering criminal incidents. While no community is crime-free, Massena's grade suggests that risk levels here are well below national averages.

What is the crime rate in Massena, NY?

Massena's crime rate is low enough to earn an A- safety grade — a strong indicator for a town with a population density of just 105 people per square mile. The relatively spread-out geography naturally limits the concentration of incidents that drives up crime rates in denser urban areas. Economic indicators such as a median household income of $46,678, a poverty rate of 18.8%, and an unemployment rate of 5.6% do present some socioeconomic pressures, but local law enforcement efforts have kept overall crime well-managed. Property crimes such as petty theft and vandalism represent the most commonly reported categories, while violent incidents remain comparatively rare.

Is Massena, NY safe to live in?

Yes — Massena is considered a safe place to live, backed by its A- crime grade. Families are drawn to the area in part because of the affordable cost of living: the median home value sits at $83,978 and median rent at just $643 per month, making it one of the more accessible housing markets in northern New York. Safety-conscious homebuyers will note that the town's low population density (105 per sq mi) and tight-knit community culture both contribute to lower crime exposure. Neighborhoods near Massena Town Park and the residential corridors around Massena High School are frequently cited by locals as particularly quiet and family-friendly.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Massena?

While Massena's A- overall grade means safety is broadly distributed across the town, certain pockets stand out. Residential areas near Massena Town Park benefit from high foot traffic, active community use, and good lighting — factors that consistently correlate with lower crime. The neighborhoods surrounding Massena High School are popular with families and tend to see fewer reported incidents. Areas closer to the St. Lawrence River on the town's outskirts offer a quieter, more rural character with minimal crime activity. The downtown district, while more commercially active, benefits from regular police presence and community-oriented programming that keeps incident rates in check.

How does Massena's crime rate compare to other New York towns?

Massena's A- crime grade compares favorably against many New York communities of similar size and socioeconomic profile. Towns with comparable poverty rates (around 18.8%) and unemployment figures (around 5.6%) often score in the B or C range, making Massena's A- a genuine distinction. Its low population density of 105 residents per square mile is a key structural advantage — crime tends to cluster in high-density corridors, and Massena simply doesn't have them. Compared to larger upstate cities, Massena residents face a substantially lower statistical likelihood of being affected by either property or violent crime.

Is Massena a good place to buy a home from a safety perspective?

From a safety standpoint, Massena presents a compelling case for homebuyers. The town's A- crime grade combined with a median home value of just $83,978 means buyers can access a safer-than-average community at a fraction of the cost of comparable markets downstate. Median rent of $643 also reflects genuine affordability for renters evaluating the area. The 18.8% poverty rate is worth monitoring as a long-term economic factor, but it has not translated into elevated crime levels under current conditions. For buyers prioritizing safety-per-dollar, Massena ranks well. Neighborhoods near Massena Town Park and the St. Lawrence River waterfront tend to hold the strongest combination of safety profile and residential desirability.

What types of crime are most common in Massena?

Consistent with its A- overall grade, Massena's reported incidents skew heavily toward lower-severity offenses. Property crimes — including petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism — account for the largest share of reported activity, which is typical for small towns with this safety profile. Violent crimes such as assault are reported sporadically and at rates well below state averages. Drug-related offenses represent an ongoing concern, mirroring trends seen across many rural and semi-rural communities in northern New York. Importantly, the overall volume of incidents across all categories remains low relative to Massena's population of 12,140, which is why the town maintains its strong safety grade heading into 2026.