Lincoln, MA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Lincoln Safe?
Yes — Lincoln is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Lincoln has a crime rate that is 53% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 161.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Waltham Woods earn an A- safety grade, while Waltham Woods rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Lincoln.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 161
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
63% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 129
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
58% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Lincoln Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
186 | +86% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Lincoln Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Lincoln?
Safety varies dramatically across Lincoln's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Lincoln
All Lincoln Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waltham Woods | A- | 63 |
Lincoln Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Lincoln zip codes.
Lincoln Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lincoln, MA?
Lincoln, MA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 161 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 129 chance for property crime. Lincoln has lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Lincoln, MA safe to live in?
Lincoln is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Waltham Woods is one of the safest areas, while Waltham Woods has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Lincoln is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Lincoln?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Lincoln are Waltham Woods. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Lincoln?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Lincoln include Waltham Woods. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Lincoln?
The estimated violent crime rate in Lincoln is 621.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 63% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 161 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 1.4 per 100K (72% below average); aggravated assault at 498.7 per 100K (86% above average); robbery at 99.1 per 100K (34% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Lincoln?
The estimated property crime rate in Lincoln is 774.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 58% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 129 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 177.8 per 100K (34% below average); larceny/theft at 461.9 per 100K (67% below average); vehicle theft at 135.1 per 100K (58% below average).
How does Lincoln crime compare to the national average?
Lincoln's overall crime rate is 53% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (86% above average), while murder is 72% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Lincoln has lower crime than 99% of them.
Is Lincoln safe to visit?
Lincoln is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 58% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Waltham Woods.
How does Lincoln crime compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Lincoln's crime rate is 53% below the national average, making it safer the typical Massachusetts city.
What type of crime is most common in Lincoln?
Aggravated assault is the most common crime in Lincoln, with an estimated rate of 498.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 86% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (775 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (621 per 100K) in Lincoln, which is consistent with national trends.