Wareham, MA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Wareham, MA

Is Wareham, MA safe?

Wareham earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a favorable position relative to many Massachusetts communities of similar size. With a population of roughly 22,694 spread across a low-density landscape of about 244 residents per square mile, the town's geography naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity. Property crime — including theft and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the majority of reported incidents, while violent crime rates remain well below state averages. Neighborhoods like Onset Village and Wareham Center are frequently cited by residents as feeling safe and walkable, particularly during daylight hours. Standard precautions such as locking vehicles and securing home entry points go a long way in a town that already trends toward the safer end of the spectrum.

What is the crime rate in Wareham, MA?

Wareham's B overall crime grade reflects a crime environment that is meaningfully safer than the national average. The town's median household income of $66,695 and a poverty rate of 9.8% are both relevant socioeconomic indicators — research consistently shows that communities with lower poverty rates tend to experience less property crime. Wareham's unemployment rate sits at 7%, slightly elevated compared to the statewide average, which can correlate with opportunistic property offenses in pockets of the town. That said, the overall picture is one of a community where serious violent crime is infrequent and the most common incidents involve lower-severity property offenses. Checking the interactive crime map regularly gives residents the most current breakdown by incident type and location.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Wareham?

While granular neighborhood-level crime grades are not available for every corner of Wareham, community feedback and incident mapping consistently point to Onset Village, Wareham Center, and the residential corridors near the Wareham River as among the more secure areas in town. Onset Village benefits from an active year-round community and strong neighborhood association involvement — both factors that correlate with lower crime. Wareham Center's commercial activity and foot traffic provide natural surveillance that deters opportunistic offenses. By contrast, areas with higher vacancy rates or proximity to major transit corridors can see slightly elevated property crime. Using the crime map's heat-map feature to filter by incident type — theft, vandalism, or disturbance — is the most data-driven way to compare micro-level safety across Wareham's distinct villages and districts.

Is Wareham a good place to live?

For buyers and renters weighing the numbers, Wareham presents a compelling case. The median home value of $293,046 is substantially below the Massachusetts median, and a median rent of $1,212 makes it one of the more affordable coastal communities in the state. Pair that with a B crime grade — indicating safety levels above the national midpoint — and the value proposition becomes clear. The 9.8% poverty rate and 7% unemployment rate are worth monitoring, as they can influence property crime trends over time, but neither figure is alarming by regional standards. Proximity to Cape Cod, abundant waterfront recreation, and a tight-knit community culture round out the lifestyle appeal. For families, retirees, and remote workers seeking coastal living without urban crime levels, Wareham consistently checks the right boxes.

How does Wareham's crime compare to other Massachusetts towns?

Wareham's B overall crime grade positions it favorably within the Massachusetts landscape. The town's population density of just 244 people per square mile is a meaningful factor — lower density generally correlates with fewer opportunities for street crime and theft. Compared to mid-size Massachusetts cities with populations in the 20,000–30,000 range, Wareham's crime profile skews toward the safer half of the distribution. Property crime remains the dominant category statewide and locally, but Wareham's combination of community policing, active neighborhood associations in areas like Onset Village, and a median income above $66,000 helps keep incident rates in check. Residents relocating from higher-crime urban environments typically report a noticeable improvement in their day-to-day sense of security.

What types of crime are most common in Wareham?

Consistent with national and state patterns for towns of Wareham's size and density, property crime is the dominant category of reported incidents. This includes motor vehicle theft, larceny-theft, and residential burglary — offenses that are opportunistic in nature and largely preventable through basic security measures. Vandalism and malicious damage to property also appear with some regularity, particularly in higher-traffic commercial corridors. Violent crime — assault, robbery — is reported at comparatively low rates, contributing to the town's B overall grade. Drug-related offenses represent a smaller but consistent share of incidents, reflecting a challenge common across southeastern Massachusetts. Understanding which incident types cluster in which areas is exactly what the Wareham crime map is designed to show, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their routines and home-security investments.