Gorham, NH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gorham, NH

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gorham is 36.9% 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 Gorham, there were 5 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 189 per 100,000 individuals, 48.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 79 property crimes, amounting to 2991 per 100,000 residents, 53.1% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Gorham ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Gorham, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 76 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Is Gorham a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Gorham 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 Gorham crime rate is 37% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.23 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.22 property crimes.

Has Crime in Gorham Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Gorham crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Gorham has increased by 27.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 150% and property crime has increased by 23.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gorham

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Gorham crime rates. Gorham registers a population density of 1157.2 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Gorham is $128,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Gorham are $667, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Gorham crime map