Rochester, NY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Rochester, NY

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 Rochester crime rate is higher than the national average by 85.5%. Specifically, there were 1538 violent crimes in Rochester, equivalent to 731 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 97.8%. Furthermore, Rochester recorded 7529 property crimes, amounting to 3581 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 83.2%.

With a total of 4312 crimes per 100,000 people, the Rochester crime rates stand at 85.53 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Rochester, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Rochester ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 731 per 100,000 people, Rochester is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 137 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Rochester, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Rochester is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 66 murders in Rochester, which equates to 31 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Rochester being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 3581 crimes per 100,000 people, Rochester unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Rochester is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Rochester is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Rochester reported a total of 1364 vehicle thefts, resulting in 649 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 155, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Rochester?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Rochester. Based on the results of the surveys (296 responses), 15% of people felt that there was very little crime in Rochester and felt safe walking alone at night. While 85% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Rochester a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Rochester, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Rochester presents a total crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Rochester experiences an average of 24.84 daily crimes, comprising 4.21 violent incidents and 20.63 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester has increased by 5.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 8.5% and property crime has increased by 9.3%.

Rochester Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Rochester region comprises an array of over 32 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Rochester are exemplars such as Strong, Corn Hill and Browncroft, whereas Mayor's Heights, Best and Edgerton grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Rochester

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 Rochester crime rates. Rochester registers a population density of 5769.6 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Rochester, the cost of living is 13.45% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

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 Rochester is $88,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Rochester crime map