Porter Square Neighborhood, Somerville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Somerville
Safety at a Glance
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in Somerville
Is Porter Square Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Porter Square in Somerville, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average of 100. Porter Square is safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Somerville.
Compared to the Somerville average (crime index 128), Porter Square is 15% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 153, 53% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 47).
Porter Square 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
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Assault
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
How Porter Square Compares
Crime index by category: Porter Square vs Somerville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Porter Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Porter Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Porter Square, Somerville?
Porter Square in Somerville, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average. Compared to the Somerville average, crime in Porter Square is 15% lower. Porter Square is safer than 63% of neighborhoods in Somerville.
Is Porter Square a safe neighborhood in Somerville?
Porter Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Somerville, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 153), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 47).
How does Porter Square compare to the rest of Somerville?
Porter Square's overall crime index is 113, compared to the Somerville average of 128. This means crime in Porter Square is 15% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 121, and for property crime it is 135. 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 Porter Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Porter Square is Murder, with a crime index of 153 (53% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Porter Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Spring Hill, Ball Square, Davis Square and Magoun Square. These areas are close to Porter Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Porter Square?
Porter Square has a population of approximately 5,815. The median household income is $116,401. The median home value is $1,084,203. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Porter Square crime compare to the national average?
Porter Square's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average (index 113 vs 100). Within Somerville, it is safer than 63% 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.