Central Square Neighborhood, East Boston
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Summary: Central Square, East Boston Crime Rate (2026)
Central Square in East Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 5, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in East Boston
Is Central Square Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Central Square in East Boston, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the East Boston average (crime index 116), Central Square is 16% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 132, 32% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 33).
Central Square Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and East Boston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
How Central Square Compares
Crime index by category: Central Square vs East Boston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Square, East Boston?
Central Square in East Boston, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average. Compared to the East Boston average, crime in Central Square is 16% higher.
Is Central Square a safe neighborhood in East Boston?
Central Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in East Boston, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 132), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 33).
How does Central Square compare to the rest of East Boston?
Central Square's overall crime index is 132, compared to the East Boston average of 116. This means crime in Central Square is 16% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 77, and for property crime it is 92. 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 Central Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Square is Murder, with a crime index of 132 (32% 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 Central Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East Boston and Logan International Airport. These areas are close to Central Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Square?
Central Square has a population of approximately 3,558. The median household income is $51,483. The median home value is $568,067. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Square crime compare to the national average?
Central Square's overall crime rate is 32% above the national average (index 132 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 May 2026.