West Springfield Town, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Springfield Town, MA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Springfield Town is 73.1% 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 West Springfield Town, there were 141 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 492 per 100,000 individuals, 33.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1012 property crimes, amounting to 3532 per 100,000 residents, 80.7% higher than the U.S. average.

West Springfield Town has a crime rate of 4024 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 73.12%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of West Springfield Town. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

West Springfield Town has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3532 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 West Springfield Town is 1 in 29, which is far higher than the national average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Springfield Town?

AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in West Springfield Town to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in West Springfield Town and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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 West Springfield Town a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West Springfield Town 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 West Springfield Town crime rate is 73% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.16 crimes per day - 0.39 violent crimes and 2.77 property crimes.

Has Crime in West Springfield Town Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in West Springfield Town has increased by 11.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not West Springfield Town is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 15.6%, while property crime has increased by 17.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in West Springfield Town.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Springfield Town

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in West Springfield Town crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. West Springfield Town has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

West Springfield Town has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

In West Springfield Town, the median home price stands at $235,200, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

West Springfield Town crime map