Bedford, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Bedford, MA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 94 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 36 chance for property crime. Bedford has lower crime than 98% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Bedford is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Bedford is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Bedford is 1,058.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 178% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 94 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.6 per 100K (72% above average); aggravated assault at 955.1 per 100K (256% above average); robbery at 79.0 per 100K (7% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Bedford is 2,802.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 53% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 36 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 608.5 per 100K (126% above average); larceny/theft at 1,664.2 per 100K (19% above average); vehicle theft at 529.8 per 100K (66% above average).

Bedford's overall crime rate is 53% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (256% above average), while rape is 53% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Bedford has lower crime than 98% of them.

Bedford is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 53% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Bedford's crime rate is 53% below the national average, making it safer the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Bedford, with an estimated rate of 1,664.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,803 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,059 per 100K) in Bedford, which is consistent with national trends.