Violent
Property
Total
Amherst, MA Crime Rate & Safety
FBI-verified crime statistics for 2024 | Population: 46,304
Safety Score
Violent Crime Rate
Property Crime Rate
Is Amherst, Massachusetts Safe?
Amherst has a safety score of 91/100 (Safer Than Average). Based on FBI data for 2024, the city reported a total crime rate of 466.5 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000.
Amherst ranks #40 out of 186 cities in Massachusetts and #203 out of 2971 nationally (safest first). This places it in the 93rd percentile for safety — safer than 93% of US cities.
The most elevated crime category in Amherst is rape, at 71.3 per 100K — 1.6x the national average. Conversely, murder is relatively low at just 0.0x the national rate.
Year over year, Amherst's total crime rate increased by 9.7%, with violent crime rising 47.6%.
Amherst Crime Statistics Breakdown (2024)
| Crime Type | Incidents | Rate per 100K | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 74 | 159.8 | 473.3 |
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 6.2 |
| Rape | 33 | 71.3 | 43.4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 6.5 | 93.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 38 | 82.1 | 330.0 |
| Property Crime | 142 | 306.7 | 2,279.1 |
| Burglary | 16 | 34.6 | 287.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 122 | 263.5 | 1,638.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 8.6 | 352.4 |
| Arson | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Amherst vs Massachusetts Average
How does Amherst's crime rate compare to the Massachusetts state average?
| Metric | Amherst | Massachusetts Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime Rate | 159.8 | 312.0 | -48.8% |
| Property Crime Rate | 306.7 | 1,086.7 | -71.8% |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.0 | -100.0% |
| Total Crime Rate | 466.5 | 1,398.7 | -66.6% |
Amherst Crime Rate Trends
Year-over-year crime rate changes for Amherst, Massachusetts.
| Year | Population | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 46,304 | 466.5 | 159.8 | 306.7 |
| 2023 | 48,936 | 425.0 | 108.3 | 316.7 |
| 2022 | 39,267 | 532.3 | 198.6 | 333.6 |
| 2021 | 40,843 | 506.8 | 166.5 | 340.3 |
| 2020 | 40,061 | 414.4 | 154.8 | 259.6 |
| 2019 | 39,603 | 689.3 | 252.5 | 436.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amherst, Massachusetts safe?
Amherst has a safety score of 91/100. With a total crime rate of 466.5 per 100,000 residents in 2024, Amherst is relatively safe compared to the national average.
What is the crime rate in Amherst, Massachusetts?
According to FBI data for 2024, Amherst has a violent crime rate of 159.8 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 306.7 per 100,000 residents.
How does Amherst compare to the national average?
Amherst's total crime rate of 466.5 per 100,000 can be compared to the national average. The city has a population of 46,304.
What types of crime are most common in Amherst?
Based on FBI 2024 data, the most reported crimes in Amherst include larceny-theft, aggravated assault, and burglary. Property crime is generally more common than violent crime.
Is Amherst safe to visit?
Like any city, Amherst has areas that are safer than others. The city's overall safety score is 91/100 based on FBI crime data. Standard travel precautions are recommended.