Lowell, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Lowell, MA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 78% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 163 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 32 chance for property crime. Lowell has higher crime than 93% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Lowell has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 73% of the city's 11 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Belvidere is one of the safest areas, while The Acre has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Lowell is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Lowell are Belvidere, South Lowell, Centralville, Pawtucketville, and Highlands. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Lowell include The Acre, Lower Highlands, Lower Belvidere, Downtown Lowell, and Back Central. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Lowell is 613.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 61% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 163 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.3 per 100K (86% above average); aggravated assault at 415.6 per 100K (55% above average); robbery at 131.5 per 100K (78% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Lowell is 3,153.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 72% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 32 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 407.7 per 100K (51% above average); larceny/theft at 2,154.2 per 100K (54% above average); vehicle theft at 591.9 per 100K (86% above average).

Lowell's overall crime rate is 78% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (86% above average), while burglary is 51% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Lowell has higher crime than 93% of them.

Visitors to Lowell should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 72% above 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 Belvidere, South Lowell, Centralville.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Lowell's crime rate is 78% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Lowell, with an estimated rate of 2,154.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 54% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,154 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (614 per 100K) in Lowell, which is consistent with national trends.