Norwood, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Norwood, MA

Is Norwood, MA safe?

Norwood earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it among the safer communities in Massachusetts. With a population of 29,446 and a poverty rate of just 8.1% — well below the national average — Norwood's socioeconomic profile supports a relatively low-crime environment. The town's unemployment rate of 2.9% is notably low, and research consistently links low unemployment to reduced property and violent crime rates. Neighborhoods near Norwood Center and the Highlands are frequently cited by residents as particularly quiet and well-maintained. While no community is entirely free of incidents, Norwood's B grade reflects a town where the vast majority of residents and visitors can go about daily life without significant safety concerns.

What is the crime rate in Norwood, MA?

Norwood's overall crime grade of B indicates that crime levels here are meaningfully below national norms. The town's median household income of $90,341 and median home value of $455,390 are strong indicators of a stable, invested community — factors that correlate with lower rates of both property and violent crime. With a population density of 1,095 residents per square mile, Norwood is suburban in character, which typically produces lower crime concentrations than denser urban cores. Property crimes such as theft and motor vehicle incidents tend to be the most commonly reported category in towns of this profile, while violent crime remains comparatively rare. Residents can track specific incident types and locations using the interactive crime map above.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Norwood?

Based on community character and available data, neighborhoods such as Norwood Center, the Highlands, and the residential areas near Norwood Memorial Airport are generally regarded as among the town's safest. Norwood Center benefits from high foot traffic, active local businesses, and a visible community presence — conditions that tend to deter opportunistic crime. The Highlands, characterized by well-kept single-family homes and strong neighborhood engagement, also reflects Norwood's overall B crime grade. Areas near Cobb's Pond and Memorial Park are popular with families precisely because of their reputation for safety and accessibility. The crime map on this page lets you filter by neighborhood and incident type to compare these areas in detail.

Is Norwood a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Norwood ranks as an excellent place to live. The town's B overall crime grade pairs with a median household income of $90,341, a median home value of $455,390, and an unemployment rate of just 2.9% — figures that collectively paint a picture of a prosperous, stable community. The poverty rate of 8.1% is modest, and the median rent of $1,655 reflects a housing market that, while competitive, remains accessible relative to many Greater Boston suburbs. Families are drawn to Norwood for its quality schools, parks like Cobb's Pond and Memorial Park, and its commuter rail access to Boston. When you combine those livability factors with a crime environment that grades out at a B, Norwood stands out as one of the more attractive suburban options in Norfolk County.

How does Norwood's crime grade compare to other Massachusetts towns?

Norwood's B crime grade places it in favorable standing relative to both Massachusetts averages and national benchmarks. Suburban towns with similar population sizes — roughly 25,000 to 35,000 residents — and comparable income levels often land in the C-to-B range nationally, making Norwood's B a genuinely strong result. The town's low unemployment rate of 2.9% and an 8.1% poverty rate contribute to this outcome, as economic stability is one of the most reliable predictors of lower crime. Compared to larger nearby cities, Norwood's crime profile is considerably more benign, making it a preferred destination for households relocating from higher-density urban environments. Use the crime map filters above to explore how specific incident categories in Norwood trend over time.