Bridgewater, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bridgewater, MA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Bridgewater crime rate is 55.6% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Bridgewater, there were 32 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 363 per 100,000 individuals, 1.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Bridgewater recorded 59 property crimes, amounting to 669 per 100,000 residents, 65.8% lower than the U.S. average.

Bridgewater exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 363 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Bridgewater as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

Bridgewater showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

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 Bridgewater, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 669, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

Is Bridgewater a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bridgewater a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bridgewater crime rate is 56% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.25 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bridgewater Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bridgewater. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bridgewater has increased by 13.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 23.1%, while property crimes have increased by 9.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bridgewater

In Bridgewater, the poverty rate currently stands at 19.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Bridgewater crime rates.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bridgewater, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Bridgewater, there are 1.19 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Bridgewater crime map