Waterfront Neighborhood, Boston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Boston
Safety at a Glance
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in Boston
Is Waterfront Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Waterfront in Boston, MA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average of 100. Waterfront is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Compared to the Boston average (crime index 132), Waterfront is 25% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 166, 66% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 14). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Waterfront 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
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
How Waterfront Compares
Crime index by category: Waterfront vs Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Waterfront Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Waterfront Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Waterfront, Boston?
Waterfront in Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average. Compared to the Boston average, crime in Waterfront is 25% higher. Waterfront is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Boston.
Is Waterfront a safe neighborhood in Boston?
Waterfront is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Boston, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 166), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 14).
How does Waterfront compare to the rest of Boston?
Waterfront's overall crime index is 157, compared to the Boston average of 132. This means crime in Waterfront is 25% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 85, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Waterfront?
The most prevalent crime type in Waterfront is Assault, with a crime index of 166 (66% 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 Waterfront?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown, South Station, Leather District and North End. These areas are close to Waterfront and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Waterfront?
Waterfront has a population of approximately 682. The median household income is $170,458. The median home value is $1,439,021. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Waterfront crime compare to the national average?
Waterfront's overall crime rate is 57% above the national average (index 157 vs 100). Within Boston, it is safer than 67% of neighborhoods. 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.