Norristown, PA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Norristown, PA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Norristown is 6% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Norristown, there were 162 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 451 per 100,000 individuals, 22.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 722 property crimes, amounting to 2012 per 100,000 residents, 2.9% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Norristown crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Norristown crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Norristown ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Norristown, there were a total of 9 murders, translating to 25 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

In the most recent release, Norristown reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Norristown, there were 2012 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Norristown faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 179 vehicle thefts, translating to 499 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Norristown in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 201.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Norristown?

AreaVibes surveyed 42 local residents in Norristown to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 19% of people answered that there was very little crime in Norristown and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 81% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Norristown a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Norristown, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Norristown presents a total crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Norristown experiences an average of 2.42 daily crimes, comprising 0.44 violent incidents and 1.98 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 Norristown Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Norristown. 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 Norristown has increased by 24%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4.7%, while property crime has increased by 33%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Norristown.

Potential Causes for Crime in Norristown

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Norristown crime rates. In Norristown, the poverty rate stands at 16.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Norristown crime rates. For instance, in Norristown, the population density stands at 9783.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Norristown, 76.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Norristown crime map