Bishops Forest Neighborhood, Waltham
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Waltham
Is Bishops Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Bishops Forest in Waltham, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Waltham average (crime index 79), Bishops Forest is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 176, 76% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 96). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Bishops Forest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Waltham city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
176 | +76% | High | |
|
Rape
|
163 | +63% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
How Bishops Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Bishops Forest vs Waltham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bishops Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bishops Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bishops Forest, Waltham?
Bishops Forest in Waltham, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Waltham average, crime in Bishops Forest is 48% higher.
Is Bishops Forest a safe neighborhood in Waltham?
Bishops Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waltham, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 176), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 96).
How does Bishops Forest compare to the rest of Waltham?
Bishops Forest's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Waltham average of 79. This means crime in Bishops Forest is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 149, and for property crime it is 126. 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 Bishops Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Bishops Forest is Robbery, with a crime index of 176 (76% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bishops Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Piety Corner, Lakeview, The Lanes and Bentley. These areas are close to Bishops Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bishops Forest?
Bishops Forest has a population of approximately 420. The median household income is $102,522. The median home value is $734,112. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bishops Forest crime compare to the national average?
Bishops Forest's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 vs 100). 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.