Safest cities in Connecticut

Known as the 'Constitution State,' Connecticut is a blend of coastal charm and rich history. Located in the northeastern United States, Connecticut boasts scenic shorelines along Long Island Sound, picturesque rural areas, and bustling urban centers. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from finance, insurance, manufacturing, and education sectors. Connecticut is home to prestigious institutions such as Yale University, adding to its cultural and intellectual vibrancy. The state offers a variety of cultural attractions, including historic sites, museums, theaters, and music festivals, providing residents with a rich array of activities and experiences.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in Connecticut highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of Connecticut's cities include strong law enforcement, active community policing, and engaged local governments. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring a transparent and reliable measure of safety. This emphasis on security allows residents to enjoy Connecticut's beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Ridgefield Population: 7,228 204 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 4 Property Crime / 100k: 200 chance of being a victim: 1 in 491

Ridgefield proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Connecticut. With only 204 crimes per 100,000 people, Ridgefield has a crime rate that is 75% lower than the Connecticut average. This equates to an average of 0.14 crimes per day and a 1 in 491 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Portland Population: 5,937 476 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 53 Property Crime / 100k: 423 chance of being a victim: 1 in 210

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Portland comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut with a crime rate of 476 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 85 counts of burglary, 285 counts of theft, 53 counts of vehicle theft, 42 counts of assault, 11 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Portland, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Bethel Population: 10,839 489 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 34 Property Crime / 100k: 455 chance of being a victim: 1 in 205

With a population of 10,839 and a total crime rate of 489 per 100,000 residents, Bethel is the 3rd safest city in Connecticut. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 79% lower than the Connecticut average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Shelton Population: 41,162 655 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 52 Property Crime / 100k: 603 chance of being a victim: 1 in 153

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Shelton is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 655, 58% lower than the Connecticut average. This amounts to 0.76 crimes per day and a 1 in 153 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Shelton a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

New Milford Population: 6,749 729 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 56 Property Crime / 100k: 672 chance of being a victim: 1 in 137

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, New Milford consistently ranks high in safety. In New Milford, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 729, which is 72% lower than the state average.

Groton Population: 8,999 803 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 171 Property Crime / 100k: 631 chance of being a victim: 1 in 125

Groton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 803 crimes per 100,000 people, 91% lower than the Connecticut average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 64 reports of burglary, 503 reports of theft, 64 reports of vehicle theft, 118 reports of assault, 21 reports of robbery, 32 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Greenwich Population: 12,967 960 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 24 Property Crime / 100k: 936 chance of being a victim: 1 in 104

Greenwich ranks as the seventh safest city in Connecticut and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 104 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.68 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Greenwich’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Connecticut.

Darien Population: 21,519 1,051 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 9 Property Crime / 100k: 1,042 chance of being a victim: 1 in 95

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Darien is the 8th safest city in Connecticut. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 78% lower than the Connecticut average, reporting a total of 1,051 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Willimantic Population: 18,669 1,083 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 118 Property Crime / 100k: 965 chance of being a victim: 1 in 92

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Willimantic is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Connecticut, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,083 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 82% lower than the state average.

Putnam Population: 7,138 1,167 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 75 Property Crime / 100k: 1,092 chance of being a victim: 1 in 86

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Connecticut, is Putnam. With a low rate of crime that included 107 burglaries, 867 thefts, 118 vehicle thefts, 32 assaults, 11 robberies, 32 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 91% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Connecticut

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Ridgefield	7,228	4	200	204
2	Portland	5,937	53	423	476
3	Bethel	10,839	34	455	489
4	Shelton	41,162	52	603	655
5	New Milford	6,749	56	672	729
6	Groton	8,999	171	631	803
7	Greenwich	12,967	24	936	960
8	Darien	21,519	9	1,042	1,051
9	Willimantic	18,669	118	965	1,083
10	Putnam	7,138	75	1,092	1,167
11	Westport	27,511	18	1,184	1,202
12	Bristol	60,039	52	1,178	1,230
13	Danbury	84,650	213	1,114	1,327
14	Stamford	130,057	171	1,162	1,333
15	Naugatuck	31,201	94	1,302	1,397
16	Torrington	34,259	118	1,339	1,457
17	Norwich	39,112	215	1,288	1,503
18	Middletown	46,406	79	1,445	1,524
19	Wethersfield	26,068	74	1,463	1,536
20	New London	27,001	191	1,377	1,568
21	Windsor Locks	12,732	88	1,502	1,590
22	Norwalk	88,755	109	1,556	1,665
23	Ansonia	18,709	48	1,674	1,721
24	West Haven	54,666	91	1,705	1,796
25	Bridgeport	145,014	391	1,408	1,800
26	Manchester	35,946	111	1,771	1,882
27	Stratford	52,300	116	1,930	2,046
28	Trumbull	36,477	51	2,129	2,179
29	East Hartford	50,036	148	2,260	2,408
30	Milford city	52,902	119	2,392	2,511
31	Meriden	59,512	198	2,426	2,624
32	North Haven	23,665	21	2,720	2,741
33	East Haven	28,645	120	2,633	2,752
34	New Britain	72,543	489	2,295	2,784
35	Derby	12,420	218	2,754	2,972
36	Newington	30,114	79	2,920	3,000
37	West Hartford	63,023	53	3,072	3,125
38	Hartford	122,549	568	2,683	3,252
39	Waterbury	107,841	401	3,060	3,462
40	New Haven	130,381	542	3,689	4,231
41	Orange	13,928	112	4,218	4,330

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Connecticut is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Connecticut cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.