Ithaca, NY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ithaca, NY

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ithaca is 75.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 96 violent crimes reported in Ithaca, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 17.8%. Additionally, Ithaca recorded 1191 property crimes, amounting to 3772 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 93%.

With a crime rate of 4076 per 100,000 residents, Ithaca has a crime rate that is 75.37% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Ithaca that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Ithaca has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3772 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Ithaca is 1 in 27, which is far higher than the national average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ithaca?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ithaca residents. Out of the respondents (39 in total), 59% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ithaca were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 41% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ithaca a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ithaca 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 Ithaca crime rate is 75% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.53 crimes per day - 0.26 violent crimes and 3.26 property crimes.

Has Crime in Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca has increased by 2.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 2% and property crime has increased by 2.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ithaca

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Ithaca crime rate. The poverty level in Ithaca is 37.4%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Ithaca has a population density of 5699.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Ithaca crime rates.

In Ithaca, the average rental rates are $1,171 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Ithaca crime map