Waltham, MA Crime Rate & Safety

Waltham, MA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 9% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 255 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 52 chance for property crime. Waltham has lower crime than 39% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Waltham has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 93% of the city's 15 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Cedarwood is one of the safest areas, while The Chemistry has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Waltham is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Waltham are Cedarwood, The Lanes, Warrendale, The Highlands, and Brandeis. 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 Waltham include The Chemistry, Robert's, Bank Square, Southside, and The Bleachery. 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 Waltham is 391.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 255 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.4 per 100K (8% above average); aggravated assault at 285.2 per 100K (6% above average); robbery at 63.8 per 100K (14% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Waltham is 1,941.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 52 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 175.9 per 100K (35% below average); larceny/theft at 1,420.4 per 100K (1% above average); vehicle theft at 345.4 per 100K (8% above average).

Waltham's overall crime rate is 9% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (11% above average), while burglary is 35% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Waltham has lower crime than 39% of them.

Visitors to Waltham should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 6% 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 Cedarwood, The Lanes, Warrendale.

Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Waltham's crime rate is 9% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Massachusetts city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Waltham, with an estimated rate of 1,420.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,942 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (392 per 100K) in Waltham, which is consistent with national trends.