Norfolk, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Norfolk, MA

What is Norfolk's overall crime grade?

Norfolk, MA earns an A+ overall crime grade — the highest possible rating — placing it among the safest communities in Massachusetts. With a population of approximately 11,861 residents spread across a low-density landscape of just 307 people per square mile, the town's crime rate is exceptionally low by nearly every measure. The A+ grade reflects both the rarity of violent incidents and the minimal frequency of property crimes relative to comparable New England towns. For context, most U.S. cities score in the C or D range, making Norfolk's A+ a meaningful distinction rather than a marketing claim.

How does Norfolk's crime rate compare to other Massachusetts towns?

Norfolk's A+ crime grade positions it well above the state average. Several socioeconomic indicators reinforce this standing: the town's poverty rate is just 0.7% — dramatically below the Massachusetts state average of roughly 10% — and its median household income of $159,914 is more than double the state median. Research consistently shows that low poverty and high household income correlate strongly with reduced crime. Norfolk's unemployment rate of 4.3% is also in line with healthy labor market conditions. Taken together, these figures help explain why Norfolk consistently outperforms larger nearby cities on safety metrics.

What types of crimes occur most often in Norfolk?

Consistent with its A+ grade, Norfolk sees very low volumes across all crime categories. When incidents do occur, they tend to be minor property-related offenses — such as occasional vehicle break-ins or low-level theft — rather than violent crimes. Violent incidents, including assault, are rare and statistically infrequent given the town's size. The median home value of $534,187 and a tight-knit residential character mean that neighborhoods throughout Norfolk benefit from high levels of informal community oversight, which research links to lower rates of opportunistic crime. Residents near areas like Washington Street and the Norfolk County Agricultural High School corridor report a consistently calm environment.

Is Norfolk, MA a safe place to live in 2026?

By every available data point, yes. Norfolk's A+ overall crime grade, combined with a 0.7% poverty rate, a median household income of $159,914, and a median home value of $534,187, paints the picture of a highly stable, prosperous, and safe community. The town's low population density of 307 residents per square mile means less congestion and fewer of the environmental conditions that tend to elevate crime in denser urban areas. Families, retirees, and professionals consistently rate Norfolk highly for quality of life, and the crime data supports that reputation. Whether you're evaluating a home purchase or simply want to understand your surroundings, the numbers here are reassuring.

What are the safest areas within Norfolk?

Because Norfolk is a small town of under 12,000 residents with an A+ crime grade, safety is high across the community as a whole rather than concentrated in isolated pockets. That said, well-established residential corridors — including neighborhoods near Washington Street, the area surrounding the Norfolk Golf Club, and the historic district near the Norfolk Historical Society — are particularly noted for their quiet, family-oriented character. The neighborhoods adjacent to the Norfolk County Agricultural High School also benefit from strong community engagement. Across all of these areas, the combination of owner-occupied housing, low turnover, and active neighborhood watch participation contributes to the town's consistently low incident rates.

Does Norfolk's affluence affect its crime statistics?

Yes, and the data makes this relationship clear. With a median household income of $159,914 — among the highest in Norfolk County — and a poverty rate of only 0.7%, Norfolk has very few of the economic stressors that drive crime in higher-risk communities. The median rent of $1,180 reflects a stable housing market with low transience, and the median home value of $534,187 indicates long-term homeownership, which is strongly associated with neighborhood stability. An unemployment rate of 4.3% further signals a community where residents have economic opportunity. These factors don't make crime impossible, but they collectively explain why Norfolk holds an A+ crime grade and why that grade has been durable over time.