Gloucester, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gloucester, MA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gloucester is 65.9% lower 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 Gloucester, there were 73 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 241 per 100,000 individuals, 34.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 167 property crimes, amounting to 551 per 100,000 residents, 71.8% lower than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 792, significantly below the national average of 2324, Gloucester stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

During the most recently reported crime year, Gloucester experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

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 Gloucester, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 551, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gloucester?

AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Gloucester to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 57% of people answered that there was very little crime in Gloucester and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 43% 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 Gloucester a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Gloucester is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Gloucester has a total crime rate that is 66% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.66 daily crimes (0.2 violent daily crimes and 0.46 daily property crimes) in Gloucester.

Has Crime in Gloucester Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Gloucester has increased by 3.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Gloucester, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 46%, while property crime has increased by 8.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Gloucester is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gloucester

In Gloucester, 86.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.

In Gloucester, the cost of living is 36.51% 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.

In Gloucester, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.19 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Gloucester crime map