Wellesley, MA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 82% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Wellesley Safe?
Yes — Wellesley is safer than most cities
An above-average city for safety with lower crime than the national average.
Wellesley has a crime rate that is 44% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 365.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Babson Park earn an A+ safety grade, while Woodlands rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Wellesley.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 365
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
28% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 146
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
63% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Wellesley Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
12 | -88% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Wellesley Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Wellesley?
Safety varies dramatically across Wellesley's 6+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 6Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 5Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 6 neighborhoods in Wellesley
All Wellesley Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babson Park | A+ | 7 |
| 2 | Overbrook | A+ | 14 |
| 3 | Fells | A+ | 13 |
| 4 | Dana Hall | A | 103 |
| 5 | Wellesley Square | A | 43 |
| 6 | Woodlands | A- | 90 |
Wellesley Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Wellesley zip codes.
Wellesley Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 44% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 365 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 146 chance for property crime. Wellesley has lower crime than 82% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Wellesley, MA safe to live in?
Wellesley is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 6 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Babson Park is one of the safest areas, while Woodlands has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Wellesley is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Wellesley?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Wellesley are Babson Park, Overbrook, Fells, Dana Hall, and Wellesley Square. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Wellesley?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Wellesley include Woodlands, Wellesley Square, Dana Hall, Babson Park, and Fells. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Wellesley?
The estimated violent crime rate in Wellesley is 273.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 365 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.6 per 100K (48% below average); aggravated assault at 241.7 per 100K (10% below average); robbery at 9.0 per 100K (88% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Wellesley?
The estimated property crime rate in Wellesley is 687.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 63% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 146 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 157.7 per 100K (42% below average); larceny/theft at 358.5 per 100K (74% below average); vehicle theft at 170.8 per 100K (46% below average).
How does Wellesley crime compare to the national average?
Wellesley's overall crime rate is 44% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (10% below average), while robbery is 88% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Wellesley has lower crime than 82% of them.
Is Wellesley safe to visit?
Wellesley is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 63% below 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 Babson Park, Overbrook, Fells.
How does Wellesley crime compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts as a whole has crime that is 17% below the national average. Wellesley's crime rate is 44% below the national average, making it safer the typical Massachusetts city.
What type of crime is most common in Wellesley?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Wellesley, with an estimated rate of 358.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 74% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (687 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (274 per 100K) in Wellesley, which is consistent with national trends.