South Yarmouth, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in South Yarmouth, MA

Is South Yarmouth, MA safe?

South Yarmouth earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer communities in Massachusetts. With a population of approximately 10,598 and a poverty rate of just 3.8% — well below state and national averages — the socioeconomic conditions that typically drive higher crime rates are largely absent here. The median household income of $67,408 further reflects a community with relative financial stability. Residents and seasonal visitors generally report feeling comfortable enjoying the beaches, Bass River area, and local parks without significant safety concerns. That said, no community is entirely without incident, and checking the South Yarmouth crime map regularly remains a smart habit.

What is the crime rate in South Yarmouth?

South Yarmouth's overall crime performance earns a letter grade of A-, indicating that crime levels here are meaningfully lower than in most comparable communities. For context, the town's low poverty rate of 3.8% and unemployment rate of 7.6% — while slightly elevated compared to some Cape Cod neighbors — still correlate with relatively modest crime activity. Property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and petty theft represent the most commonly reported incident types in the broader Yarmouth area, particularly near high-traffic tourist corridors during summer months. Violent crime remains rare. Residents in neighborhoods near South Yarmouth Village and along the coastline tend to report among the most stable safety conditions year-round.

What are the safest neighborhoods in South Yarmouth?

While hyper-local block-by-block data varies seasonally, several areas within South Yarmouth consistently benefit from strong community cohesion and lower incident reports. The Bass River corridor and neighborhoods adjacent to Smugglers Beach are popular among families and retirees who cite a strong sense of neighborhood watch culture. Areas near South Yarmouth Village also tend to attract long-term residents, which research consistently links to lower property crime rates. Given South Yarmouth's overall A- crime grade and a population density of just 588 people per square mile, most residential pockets benefit from low congestion and high neighbor familiarity — both proven deterrents to opportunistic crime.

How does South Yarmouth's crime compare to other Cape Cod towns?

South Yarmouth's A- overall crime grade positions it favorably within the Cape Cod region. Its poverty rate of 3.8% is among the lower figures for Barnstable County communities, and its median home value of $348,084 reflects a stable housing market that tends to correlate with lower turnover and stronger community investment. Seasonal tourism does introduce a temporary uptick in property-related incidents — a pattern shared across most Cape Cod towns — but South Yarmouth's baseline safety metrics remain strong. Compared to larger urban centers in Massachusetts, South Yarmouth's crime profile is substantially more favorable across nearly every category.

Is South Yarmouth a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, South Yarmouth presents a compelling case for prospective residents. The community holds an A- crime grade, a poverty rate of only 3.8%, and a median rent of $1,536 — reasonable for a coastal Massachusetts community with a median home value of $348,084. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is worth monitoring, as it runs slightly higher than some regional peers, but the low poverty rate suggests that most residents maintain economic stability. Families, retirees, and remote workers relocating to Cape Cod frequently cite South Yarmouth's balance of natural beauty, manageable density at 588 residents per square mile, and strong safety profile as key draws. Reviewing the interactive South Yarmouth crime map before making any housing decision is always recommended for the most current, localized picture.

What types of crime are most common in South Yarmouth?

Consistent with most small coastal communities earning an A- crime grade, South Yarmouth's most frequently reported incidents fall into the property crime category — primarily larceny-theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism. These incidents tend to cluster near commercial areas and beach access points during peak tourist season, roughly June through August. Violent crime represents a small fraction of total incidents and occurs at rates well below state averages, in line with the town's strong overall grade. The combination of a 3.8% poverty rate, tight-knit neighborhoods like those around Bass River, and active local policing by the Yarmouth Police Department all contribute to keeping serious crime rates low. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and use the crime map to stay aware of any emerging patterns in their specific neighborhood.