Northampton, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Northampton, MA

The Northampton crime rates are 29.6% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 114 violent crimes in Northampton (391 per 100,000 people), which is 5.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 363 property crimes (1245 per 100,000 residents) which is 36.3% lower than average.

Northampton exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 391 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Northampton as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Northampton?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Northampton residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 83% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Northampton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 17% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Northampton a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Northampton 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. Northampton has a total crime rate that is 30% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.31 daily crimes (0.31 violent daily crimes and 0.99 daily property crimes) in Northampton.

Has Crime in Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton has decreased by 5.7% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has decreased by 7.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Northampton

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Northampton crime rates. For instance, in Northampton, the population density stands at 833.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Northampton, 92% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Northampton, the cost of living is 20.88% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Northampton crime map