02121 Zip Code, Dorchester

Crime Rate & Statistics

C

Average crime levels — comparable to the national average

Safer than 0% of zip codes in Dorchester

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 144 / 300 High
Violent Crime 123
23% above national avg
Property Crime 117
17% above national avg
City Ranking
0%
safer than other
Dorchester zip codes

Check a specific address

in Dorchester

Is 02121 a Safe Zip Code?

It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Zip code 02121 in Dorchester, MA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Dorchester.

Compared to the Dorchester average (crime index 130), zip code 02121 is 14% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 152, 52% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 72).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 152 (52% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 72 (28% below avg)

02121 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
130 +30% Moderate
Assault
143 +43% Moderate
Robbery
72 -28% Low
Rape
147 +47% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
78 -22% Low
Larceny / Theft
121 +21% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
152 +52% High

How 02121 Compares

Crime index by category: 02121 vs Dorchester average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

02121 Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

02121 Demographics & Context

Population
28,939
Median Income
$46,760
Home Value
$508,125
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
22,794/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 10.6%
Graduate Degree 5.1%

Housing

22%
78%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 6.2%
Black 71.4%
Hispanic 30.2%
Asian 0.9%

Other Zip Codes in Dorchester

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Zip code 02121, Dorchester?

Zip code 02121 in Dorchester, MA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 144, which is 44% above the national average. Compared to the Dorchester average, crime in Zip code 02121 is 14% higher. Zip code 02121 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Dorchester.

Is Zip code 02121 a safe neighborhood in Dorchester?

Zip code 02121 has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 152), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 72). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dorchester.

How does Zip code 02121 compare to the rest of Dorchester?

Zip code 02121's overall crime index is 144, compared to the Dorchester average of 130. This means crime in Zip code 02121 is 14% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 123, and for property crime it is 117. 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 Zip code 02121?

The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 02121 is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 152 (52% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 02121?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 02122 and 02125. These areas are close to Zip code 02121 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Zip code 02121?

Zip code 02121 has a population of approximately 28,939. The median household income is $46,760. The median home value is $508,125. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Zip code 02121 crime compare to the national average?

Zip code 02121's overall crime rate is 44% above the national average (index 144 vs 100). Within Dorchester, it is safer than 0% 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.