Medford, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Medford, MA

Is Medford, MA safe to live in?

Medford earns a city-wide safety rating of Very Safe (A), making it one of the safer mid-sized cities in the greater Boston area. Across all 8 neighborhoods analyzed, 75% received a Grade A and the remaining 25% received a Grade B — meaning every single neighborhood in Medford falls into the safe category. No neighborhood scored below a B+. Anchor neighborhoods like North Medford (Grade A) and West Medford (Grade A) consistently post the lowest crime activity, while even the relatively higher-crime areas such as South Medford (Grade B+) and Wellington (Grade B+) remain well within safe thresholds. For context, Medford's median household income of $101,168 and unemployment rate of just 3.4% reflect the kind of economic stability that correlates strongly with lower crime rates.

What is the crime rate in Medford, MA?

Medford's overall crime performance earns a Grade C+ on a citywide basis when benchmarked against national standards, but its neighborhood-level safety picture is considerably stronger. At the neighborhood scale, 100% of Medford's analyzed neighborhoods grade B or better, with 75% achieving a Grade A. The city's poverty rate of 8.6% is relatively low, and its population density of 2,778 residents per square mile is moderate — both factors that help keep crime rates in check. The strongest performers are North Medford, Lawrence Estates, West Medford, and Medford Hillside, all graded A, while Glenwood and Downtown Medford hold A- ratings. The areas that attract the most relative attention from a crime-awareness standpoint are Wellington and South Medford, both graded B+, though these still represent safe environments by most measures.

Which neighborhoods in Medford have the lowest crime?

The five neighborhoods with the lowest crime in Medford are:

1. North Medford (Grade A) — Home to about 7,379 residents with a median income of $124,190, North Medford is the city's safest neighborhood by grade.
2. Lawrence Estates (Grade A) — A smaller community of 4,672 residents with a median income of $99,114, consistently earning top safety marks.
3. West Medford (Grade A) — With 9,110 residents and a median income of $106,995, West Medford combines size with strong safety performance.
4. Medford Hillside (Grade A) — A community of 7,632 residents with a median income of $88,309 and an A-grade safety record.
5. Glenwood (Grade A-) — Medford's most populous analyzed neighborhood at 9,438 residents, earning an A- despite its density.

Even Downtown Medford, which tends to see higher foot traffic, holds an A- rating — a strong result for an urban core with a median income of $61,322.

Which parts of Medford have higher crime?

No neighborhood in Medford grades below a B+, so "higher crime" is relative here. The areas with the most crime activity compared to the rest of the city are Wellington (Grade B+) and South Medford (Grade B+). Wellington has a population of about 7,027 and a median household income of $98,863, while South Medford is the most populous neighborhood analyzed at 10,926 residents with a median income of $96,086. Both areas are still considered safe — a B+ grade signals low crime, just slightly elevated compared to the A-rated neighborhoods. Residents in these areas benefit from the same community resources and policing as the rest of Medford, and neither neighborhood represents a significant safety concern for families or individuals.

Is Medford a good place to buy a home?

From a safety standpoint, Medford presents a compelling case for homebuyers. With 100% of its neighborhoods graded B or better and a city-wide safety designation of Very Safe (A), buyers can feel confident across virtually any part of the city. The median home value of $551,992 reflects strong demand, and the median household income of $101,168 supports a stable local economy. The unemployment rate sits at a low 3.4%, and the poverty rate of 8.6% is well below national averages. Neighborhoods like North Medford and West Medford — both Grade A — tend to attract buyers who prioritize safety alongside proximity to Boston. Even in South Medford and Wellington, the B+ safety grades mean buyers are still choosing a safe community with good long-term fundamentals.

How does Medford compare to other cities for safety?

Medford's neighborhood-level safety profile is notably strong. With 75% of neighborhoods earning a Grade A and the remaining 25% earning a Grade B, Medford outperforms many comparable Massachusetts cities where lower-graded neighborhoods are more common. The city's overall crime grade of C+ reflects its standing when measured against national benchmarks, but the neighborhood breakdown tells a more nuanced story — no area in Medford scores below a B+. For a city of 58,290 people with a population density of 2,778 per square mile, that kind of across-the-board safety consistency is uncommon. Medford's economic indicators — including a median rent of $2,003 and a low unemployment rate — also suggest a community with the resources to maintain and improve public safety over time.