Malden, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Malden, MA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 72% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 173 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Malden has higher crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Malden has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 67% of the city's 18 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Upper Highlands is one of the safest areas, while Island Hill has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Malden is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Malden are Upper Highlands, Maplewood, Linden, Maplewood Highlands, and Edgeworth. 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 Malden include Island Hill, Downtown, Bell Rock, Industrial Park, and Suffolk Square. 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 Malden is 579.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 52% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 173 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.4 per 100K (68% above average); aggravated assault at 443.6 per 100K (65% above average); robbery at 81.5 per 100K (10% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Malden is 2,379.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 30% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 245.6 per 100K (9% below average); larceny/theft at 1,581.9 per 100K (13% above average); vehicle theft at 551.9 per 100K (73% above average).

Malden's overall crime rate is 72% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (73% above average), while burglary is 9% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Malden has higher crime than 92% of them.

Visitors to Malden should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 30% 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 Upper Highlands, Maplewood, Linden.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Malden's crime rate is 72% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Malden, with an estimated rate of 1,581.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 13% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,379 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (580 per 100K) in Malden, which is consistent with national trends.