Somerville, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Somerville, MA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 5% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 258 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 50 chance for property crime. Somerville has lower crime than 35% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Somerville has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 95% of the city's 19 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Powder House Square is one of the safest areas, while Boynton Yards has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Somerville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Somerville are Powder House Square, Ball Square, Assembly Square, Ten Hills, and Davis Square. 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 Somerville include Boynton Yards, Winter Hill, East Somerville, Teele Square, and Hillside. 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 Somerville is 388.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 258 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.9 per 100K (18% above average); aggravated assault at 286.8 per 100K (7% above average); robbery at 69.9 per 100K (5% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Somerville is 1,988.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 50 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 202.0 per 100K (25% below average); larceny/theft at 1,395.5 per 100K (0% below average); vehicle theft at 390.8 per 100K (23% above average).

Somerville's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (23% above average), while burglary is 25% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Somerville has lower crime than 35% of them.

Visitors to Somerville should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 9% 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 Powder House Square, Ball Square, Assembly Square.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Somerville's crime rate is 5% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Somerville, with an estimated rate of 1,395.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 0% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,988 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (388 per 100K) in Somerville, which is consistent with national trends.