Palmer Neighborhood, Dorchester
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Dorchester
Is Palmer Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Palmer in Dorchester, MA has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Dorchester average (crime index 130), Palmer is 54% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 22). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Palmer Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Dorchester city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Assault
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
22 | -78% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
175 | +75% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
171 | +71% | High | |
How Palmer Compares
Crime index by category: Palmer vs Dorchester average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Palmer Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Palmer Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palmer, Dorchester?
Palmer in Dorchester, MA has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average. Compared to the Dorchester average, crime in Palmer is 54% higher.
Is Palmer a safe neighborhood in Dorchester?
Palmer has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 178), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 22).
How does Palmer compare to the rest of Dorchester?
Palmer's overall crime index is 184, compared to the Dorchester average of 130. This means crime in Palmer is 54% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 136, and for property crime it is 112. 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 Palmer?
The most prevalent crime type in Palmer is Murder, with a crime index of 178 (78% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Palmer?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Dorchester. These areas are close to Palmer and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of approximately 8. The median household income is $47,035. The median home value is $342,308. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Palmer crime compare to the national average?
Palmer's overall crime rate is 84% above the national average (index 184 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.