Newton, MA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 80% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Newton Safe?
Yes — Newton is safer than most cities
An above-average city for safety with lower crime than the national average.
Newton has a crime rate that is 43% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 387.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Newton Corner earn an A safety grade, while Nonantum rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Newton.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 387
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
32% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 96
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
43% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Newton 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
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Newton Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Newton?
Safety varies dramatically across Newton's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Newton
All Newton Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newton Corner | A | 51 |
| 2 | Nonantum | A- | 106 |
Newton Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Newton zip codes.
Newton Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Newton, MA?
Newton, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 43% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 387 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 96 chance for property crime. Newton has lower crime than 80% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Newton, MA safe to live in?
Newton is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Newton Corner is one of the safest areas, while Nonantum has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Newton is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Newton?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Newton are Newton Corner, and Nonantum. 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 Newton?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Newton include Nonantum, and Newton Corner. 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 Newton?
The estimated violent crime rate in Newton is 258.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 32% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 387 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 219.3 per 100K (18% below average); robbery at 20.4 per 100K (72% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Newton?
The estimated property crime rate in Newton is 1,036.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 96 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 113.1 per 100K (58% below average); larceny/theft at 702.2 per 100K (50% below average); vehicle theft at 221.6 per 100K (30% below average).
How does Newton crime compare to the national average?
Newton's overall crime rate is 43% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (18% below average), while robbery is 72% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Newton has lower crime than 80% of them.
Is Newton safe to visit?
Newton is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 43% 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 Newton Corner, Nonantum.
How does Newton crime compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Newton's crime rate is 43% below the national average, making it safer the typical Massachusetts city.
What type of crime is most common in Newton?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Newton, with an estimated rate of 702.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 50% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,037 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (258 per 100K) in Newton, which is consistent with national trends.