Hillside Neighborhood, Somerville

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Somerville

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 121 / 300 High
Violent Crime 162
62% above national avg
Property Crime 161
61% above national avg
City Ranking
32%
safer than other
Somerville neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Somerville

Is Hillside Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Hillside in Somerville, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 121, which is 21% above the national average of 100. Hillside is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Somerville.

Compared to the Somerville average (crime index 128), Hillside is 7% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 149).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 184 (84% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 149 (49% above avg)

Hillside Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Somerville city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
178 +78% High
Assault
151 +51% High
Robbery
156 +56% High
Rape
164 +64% High
Property Crime
Burglary
149 +49% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
150 +50% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
184 +84% High

How Hillside Compares

Crime index by category: Hillside vs Somerville average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Hillside Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Hillside Demographics & Context

Population
4,924
Median Income
$81,502
Home Value
$971,924
Median Age
31
Pop. Density
17,676/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 28.4%
Graduate Degree 26.9%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 74.4%
Black 8.7%
Hispanic 9.7%
Asian 8.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Hillside, Somerville?

Hillside in Somerville, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 121, which is 21% above the national average. Compared to the Somerville average, crime in Hillside is 7% lower. Hillside is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Somerville.

Is Hillside a safe neighborhood in Somerville?

Hillside is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Somerville, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 149).

How does Hillside compare to the rest of Somerville?

Hillside's overall crime index is 121, compared to the Somerville average of 128. This means crime in Hillside is 7% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 162, and for property crime it is 161. 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 Hillside?

The most prevalent crime type in Hillside is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Hillside?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Teele Square, Powder House Square, Davis Square and Ball Square. These areas are close to Hillside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Hillside?

Hillside has a population of approximately 4,924. The median household income is $81,502. The median home value is $971,924. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Hillside crime compare to the national average?

Hillside's overall crime rate is 21% above the national average (index 121 vs 100). Within Somerville, it is safer than 32% 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.