Westfield, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westfield, MA

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 Westfield is 51.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 92 violent crimes reported in Westfield, equivalent to 226 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 38.9%. Additionally, Westfield recorded 364 property crimes, amounting to 895 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 54.2%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Westfield reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Westfield?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Westfield. Based on the results of the surveys (6 responses), 83% of people felt that there was very little crime in Westfield and felt safe walking alone at night. While 17% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Westfield a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Westfield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Westfield presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Westfield experiences an average of 1.25 daily crimes, comprising 0.25 violent incidents and 1 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 Westfield Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Westfield has increased by 4.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Westfield, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 2.2%, while property crime has increased by 4.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Westfield is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westfield

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 Westfield crime rates. Westfield registers a population density of 892.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Westfield, the cost of living is 10.77% higher than the national average.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Westfield, there are 2.07 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Westfield crime map