North Andover, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in North Andover, MA

Is North Andover, MA safe?

North Andover earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in Massachusetts and well above national benchmarks. With a population of 31,262 spread across roughly 459 residents per square mile, the town maintains a low-density suburban character that naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity. The median household income of $113,916 and a poverty rate of just 6.6% reflect the socioeconomic stability that research consistently links to lower crime rates. Residents near well-established areas like the Highlands neighborhood and the zones surrounding Osgood Park routinely report feeling safe walking and commuting at all hours.

What is the crime rate in North Andover?

North Andover's A-grade overall crime rating reflects rates that are significantly below both state and national averages for communities of comparable size. Property crimes — including theft and occasional vandalism — account for the overwhelming majority of reported incidents, which is typical for affluent suburban towns. Violent crime incidents are rare, consistent with the town's 2.6% unemployment rate and a median home value of $519,989 that signals a financially stable resident base. The poverty rate of 6.6% is well below the U.S. average of roughly 12–13%, a factor that correlates strongly with reduced crime frequency. When benchmarked against Massachusetts towns of similar population, North Andover consistently ranks in the top tier for public safety.

What are the safest neighborhoods in North Andover?

Because North Andover holds an A overall crime grade, safety is broadly distributed across the town rather than concentrated in just a few pockets. Neighborhoods near the Highlands area, the North Andover Country Club corridor, and the residential zones around Kittredge Elementary School are frequently cited by residents as particularly quiet and secure. The town's low population density of 459 people per square mile means even busier commercial corridors near Route 114 experience relatively modest incident volumes. Incidents that do occur are predominantly minor property offenses — petty theft and occasional vandalism — rather than violent crimes, and they tend to be isolated rather than clustered in recurring hotspots.

How does North Andover's crime compare to the rest of Massachusetts?

North Andover's A crime grade positions it favorably against the broader Massachusetts landscape. The town's 2.6% unemployment rate is well below the state average, and its median household income of $113,916 exceeds the Massachusetts median, both of which are reliable predictors of community safety. While larger cities in the region face more complex crime challenges, North Andover's suburban character, engaged police department, and active neighborhood associations keep incident rates low. The 6.6% poverty rate — among the lowest in Essex County — further reinforces the town's standing as one of the region's safer residential communities.

Is North Andover a good place to live based on crime and safety data?

The data strongly supports North Andover as a desirable place to live. An A overall crime grade, a median household income of $113,916, a 2.6% unemployment rate, and a poverty rate of just 6.6% collectively paint a picture of a stable, prosperous, and safe community. The median home value of $519,989 reflects sustained demand from families and professionals who prioritize safety and quality of life. Median rent of $1,803 is in line with the region's premium suburban market. For households weighing safety as a primary factor, North Andover's consistently high crime grade makes it one of the more compelling options in the Merrimack Valley — particularly for those seeking proximity to Greater Boston without the elevated crime exposure of denser urban environments.

What types of crime are most common in North Andover?

Consistent with its A crime grade, North Andover's incident reports are dominated by low-severity property offenses. Theft — including shoplifting and minor larceny — and vandalism represent the most frequently logged categories, reflecting patterns typical of affluent, low-density suburbs rather than urban crime profiles. Burglary and vehicle theft occur but remain infrequent relative to state averages, a function of the town's strong socioeconomic indicators: a $113,916 median household income and a poverty rate of 6.6% leave little of the economic distress that drives higher property crime in other communities. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery are rare outliers rather than recurring concerns, and incidents in neighborhoods like the Highlands and areas near Stevens Estate tend to be isolated when they do appear.