This town was named the safest community in Massachusetts

Wayland is the safest town in Massachusetts, according to a new report from the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

The report released Monday ranks the safety of cities and towns in the Bay State by analyzing FBI crime data along with internal research and population information from the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Wayland earned first place, with Groveland, Norfolk, Clinton, and Franklin rounding out the top five. Only cities and towns with a population of more than 5,000 were considered.

Wayland had only one reported violent crime and five reported property crimes last year. With a population of 13,679, that brings Wayland’s average violent crime rate to 0.07 per 1,000 people and its average property crime rate to 0.37 per 1,000 people. Both numbers are significantly lower than the statewide violent crime and property averages, which are 2 and 13 per 1,000 people, respectively.

In its report, the National Council for Home Safety and Security highlights progressive efforts by Wayland leaders to promote economic growth throughout the town, while also providing a wealth of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for community members.

Overall, Massachusetts falls below the national average in both violent and property crimes. The U.S. average for violent crimes last year was 3 per 1,000 people, and the property crime average was 38 per 1,000 people.