Newburyport, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Newburyport, MA

Is Newburyport safe to live in?

Newburyport earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest cities in Massachusetts. With a population of approximately 18,197 and a median household income of $110,740 — nearly double the national median — the city reflects the strong correlation between economic stability and low crime rates. The poverty rate sits at just 5.5%, and community policing efforts in neighborhoods like the Waterfront District and Old Town area help keep incident levels well below national averages. Families, retirees, and professionals consistently rank Newburyport as one of the most livable communities on the North Shore.

What is the crime rate in Newburyport, and how does it compare nationally?

Newburyport's overall crime grade of A reflects a crime environment that outperforms the vast majority of U.S. cities. With a population density of just 841 residents per square mile, the city avoids the concentrated crime pressures common in denser urban centers. Property crime — which nationally accounts for roughly 85–90% of all reported incidents — remains low here, consistent with the city's high median home value of $608,644 and low unemployment rate of 5.5%. Violent crime incidents are infrequent and tend to be isolated rather than concentrated in any single corridor. Compared to Essex County peers and Massachusetts cities of similar size, Newburyport consistently ranks in the top tier for safety.

Which neighborhoods in Newburyport are the safest?

Newburyport's compact geography — at 841 people per square mile — means safety is relatively consistent across the city, which contributes to its A overall crime grade. The Waterfront District, Old Town, and the Parker Street neighborhood are frequently cited by residents as particularly quiet areas with low incident activity. Plum Island, the coastal community connected to Newburyport, also benefits from low population density and limited through-traffic, factors that tend to suppress opportunistic property crime. Across all neighborhoods, the city's median rent of $1,326 and strong homeownership rates suggest stable, invested communities where residents are engaged in keeping their surroundings safe.

Is Newburyport a good place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Newburyport ranks as an excellent place to live in 2026. The city holds an A crime grade, a median household income of $110,740, a median home value of $608,644, and a poverty rate of only 5.5% — a combination that signals both economic health and community stability. The unemployment rate of 5.5% remains manageable, and the city's historic downtown, coastal access, and strong school system add to its appeal. For buyers and renters evaluating safety alongside quality of life, Newburyport's data-backed A crime rating provides meaningful reassurance that the city's reputation for safety is grounded in real, measurable outcomes — not just perception.

What types of crime are most common in Newburyport?

As is typical in cities with an A crime grade, property-related offenses — such as minor theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism — represent the most frequently reported incident categories in Newburyport, consistent with national patterns where property crime accounts for the large majority of all reported offenses. Violent crimes are rare and remain well below state and national averages, reflecting the city's low poverty rate of 5.5% and its economically stable population of 18,197. Incidents of public disorder are occasionally reported in commercial zones, particularly around the downtown waterfront during peak tourist seasons, but these are generally low-severity events. Regularly checking the Newburyport crime map allows residents to monitor any emerging patterns by neighborhood and incident type.

How does Newburyport's income level affect its crime rate?

Research consistently links higher median household incomes to lower crime rates, and Newburyport is a clear illustration of that relationship. With a median household income of $110,740 and a median home value of $608,644, the city's economic profile strongly supports its A overall crime grade. A poverty rate of just 5.5% means fewer residents face the economic pressures that correlate with higher crime in other communities. Additionally, the city's low population density of 841 people per square mile reduces the anonymity that can enable criminal activity in more densely packed urban environments. These factors combine to make Newburyport one of the statistically safest small cities in the Northeast.