Falmouth, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Falmouth, 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 Falmouth crime rate is lower than the national average by 54.9%. Specifically, there were 82 violent crimes in Falmouth, equivalent to 242 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 34.5%. Furthermore, Falmouth recorded 273 property crimes, amounting to 806 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 58.8%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Falmouth?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Falmouth residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 70% of Falmouth residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 30% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Falmouth a Safe Place to Live?

Is Falmouth a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Falmouth has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 55%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.97 daily incidents, encompassing 0.22 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Falmouth as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Falmouth Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Falmouth. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Falmouth has decreased by 12.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 18.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 10.2%. 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 Falmouth

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 Falmouth crime rates. In Falmouth, the poverty rate stands at 11.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Falmouth, the cost of living is 38.74% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Falmouth has an average rental rate of $967 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.

Falmouth crime map