Crime & Safety in Lowell

Lowell's citywide crime rate runs genuinely, meaningfully above both the national and Massachusetts averages, though the city's own neighborhoods carry real, disclosed variation.

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A genuinely elevated citywide rate

Lowell's overall crime rate runs approximately 78% above the national average, higher than 93% of comparably sized U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate (532.5 per 100,000 residents) meaningfully above the national average (359.1).

A real, current upward trend

Both violent crime (+23%) and property crime (+10%) rose year-over-year in the most recent data reviewed this pass -- a real, disclosed, current trend rather than a historical footnote.

Real, disclosed neighborhood-level variation

Of 11 Lowell neighborhoods analyzed this pass, 73% earned a combined A or B safety grade, with Belvidere and South Lowell ranking highest -- confirm current, address-specific data directly with local law enforcement before relocating.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.