Downtown Neighborhood, Malden
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Malden
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Malden
Is Downtown Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Downtown in Malden, MA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Malden.
Compared to the Malden average (crime index 134), Downtown is 29% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 169, 69% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 105).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Malden city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Assault
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
167 | +67% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Malden average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Malden?
Downtown in Malden, MA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Malden average, crime in Downtown is 29% higher. Downtown is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Malden.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Malden?
Downtown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 169), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 105). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Malden.
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Malden?
Downtown's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Malden average of 134. This means crime in Downtown is 29% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 145, and for property crime it is 132. 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 Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Murder, with a crime index of 169 (69% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waitts Mount, Belmont, North Faulkner and Oak Grove. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 3,619. The median household income is $75,693. The median home value is $524,073. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). Within Malden, it is safer than 6% 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.