Great Barrington, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Great Barrington, MA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Great Barrington crime rate is lower than the national average by 65.1%. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes in Great Barrington, equivalent to 238 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 35.6%. Furthermore, Great Barrington recorded 41 property crimes, amounting to 574 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 70.6%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Great Barrington reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In Great Barrington, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 574, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Great Barrington?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Great Barrington. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Great Barrington and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Great Barrington a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Great Barrington, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Great Barrington presents a total crime rate that is 65% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Great Barrington experiences an average of 0.16 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.11 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Great Barrington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Great Barrington. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Great Barrington has decreased by 18.3%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 24.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Great Barrington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Great Barrington

In Great Barrington, the current unemployment rate stands at 1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Great Barrington crime rates.

Great Barrington has a population density of 1535.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Great Barrington crime rates.

Great Barrington has an average rental rate of $924 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Great Barrington crime map