Van Ness Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Boston
Is Van Ness Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Van Ness in Boston, MA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), Van Ness is 32% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 142).
Van Ness Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Boston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Assault
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Rape
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
189 | +89% | High | |
How Van Ness Compares
Crime index by category: Van Ness vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Van Ness Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Van Ness Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Van Ness, Boston?
Van Ness in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in Van Ness is 32% higher.
Is Van Ness a safe neighborhood in Boston?
Van Ness is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 197), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 142).
How does Van Ness compare to the rest of Boston?
Van Ness's overall crime index is 164, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in Van Ness is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 170, and for property crime it is 186. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Van Ness?
The most prevalent crime type in Van Ness is Robbery, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Van Ness?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fenway / Kenmore, Longwood Medical Area, Back Bay and South End. These areas are close to Van Ness and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Van Ness?
Van Ness has a population of approximately 80. The median household income is $49,783. The median home value is $278,378. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Van Ness crime compare to the national average?
Van Ness's overall crime rate is 64% above the national average (index 164 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.