If you're shopping for a home in Essex County and weighing the pros and cons of living in Newburyport, MA, the city's crime rate is one of the first things you'll want to look at. The market here doesn't wait around - homes have been spending a median of just 23 days on the market before going under contract.
With a median sale price of roughly $936,000 and only 63 homes in inventory, you're not getting a lot of time to deliberate. The more you understand about public safety, emergency services, and environmental factors before you start touring, the better positioned you'll be when something you like hits the market.
The Data Behind Newburyport Crime Rates
Based on 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, NeighborhoodScout recorded 85 total crimes in Newburyport - 9 violent crimes and 76 property crimes. For a population hovering around 17,000 to 19,000 residents depending on the census source, that works out to a total crime rate of about 4.44 per 1,000 residents, or 442.0 crimes per 100,000 people.
City-Data reports that the overall crime rate fell 39% between 2023 and 2024. The five-year picture shows a decline in both violent and property incidents. Assaults dropped from 17 to 5, and burglaries fell from 6 to 4 in that recent one-year span alone.
Comparing Local Numbers to the Massachusetts Average
Massachusetts reported a statewide crime rate of 3,301.9 per 100,000 people in 2024 - a 6.5% decrease from 2023. The state's violent crime rate came in at 315 per 100,000, and the property crime rate sat at 1,112 per 100,000.
Newburyport's violent crime rate is approximately 46.8 per 100,000 people, or 0.47 per 1,000 residents. The local property crime rate is roughly 395.2 per 100,000 people, or 3.97 per 1,000 residents. Both figures come in well below what the state is reporting.
Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
The Newburyport Police Department operates with 31 officers covering routine patrols, emergency response, and community services across the city.
The Newburyport Fire Department runs on career staff - no volunteers - out of three stations with 34 firefighters. Headquarters sits on Greenleaf Street, and Station 2 on Storey Avenue opened in October 2024. A typical shift puts eight personnel on duty running two pumpers and one ladder truck.
Weather and Environmental Hazards
Living on the coast means you're planning around Nor'easters and severe winter storms. That's not a surprise to most buyers, but coastal flooding is worth taking seriously, particularly for properties close to the water where high tides combined with heavy rain can become a real issue.
Water safety is worth a look if you're planning to spend time at Plum Island Beach or along the Merrimack River. Check the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for seasonal water quality updates, and before you close on anything in a waterfront or low-lying area, pull the local flood zone maps.
What Living in Newburyport Is Like
Newburyport has a working waterfront, genuine historical architecture, and transit options that hold up under scrutiny. The downtown waterfront offers public parks and walking paths, and the Clipper City Rail Trail gives residents a paved route through the city.
For commuters, the MBTA Commuter Rail runs directly to Boston out of the local station. Route 1 and I-95 handle north-south driving, which makes the area practical whether you're working in the city or somewhere along the North Shore.
Housing Costs and Availability
The numbers here are worth sitting with before you get attached to a listing. Seventy-eight homes sold recently, with an average sale-to-list ratio above 100% and nearly 42% of homes going above asking. The median sale price is approximately $936,000, and current MLS data shows a 2.5-month supply of inventory.
Get your financing sorted before you tour anything. With this kind of inventory and these timelines, you won't have room to scramble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newburyport, MA safe?
Yes, based on FBI data, Newburyport has a lower crime rate than the Massachusetts state average. The town reported 85 total crimes in 2024, resulting in a rate of 4.44 per 1,000 residents.
What is the crime rate in Newburyport, MA?
The overall crime rate is approximately 442.0 per 100,000 people. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 46.8 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 395.2 per 100,000.
How does Newburyport's crime rate compare to the MA and national average?
Newburyport's rate is well below the state average. The 2024 Massachusetts statewide crime rate was 3,301.9 per 100,000 people - significantly higher than Newburyport's 442.0 per 100,000.
What hospitals and emergency services are available to Newburyport residents?
Emergency services are provided by the Newburyport Police Department's 31 officers and the Newburyport Fire Department's 34 career firefighters. The fire department operates from three stations, including the newer location on Storey Avenue.
Is it safe to swim in Plum Island Beach or the Merrimack River?
It depends on current conditions. Check the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for seasonal water quality updates and any active swim advisories before you go in.
What natural hazards should Newburyport residents plan for?
Coastal flooding and severe weather - particularly Nor'easters - are the primary concerns. Properties near the water or in low-lying areas carry higher flood risk during heavy rain and high tides.
What is Newburyport, MA like to live in?
It's a coastal city with real amenities - the downtown waterfront, the Clipper City Rail Trail, MBTA Commuter Rail service, and access to I-95. If you need to get to Boston regularly, the commute is manageable.
