| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Amherst Center/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 216 | n/a (estimate) | 466 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 71.3 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 6.5 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 38 | n/a | 82.1 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 74 | n/a (estimate) | 160 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 34.6 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 122 | n/a | 263.5 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 8.6 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 307 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Amherst Center crime rate is lower than the national average by 78%. Specifically, there were 74 violent crimes in Amherst Center, equivalent to 160 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 55.5%. Furthermore, Amherst Center recorded 142 property crimes, amounting to 307 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 82.6%.
Amherst Center enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 466, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Amherst Center as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
During the most recently reported crime year, Amherst Center experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Amherst Center, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 307, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Amherst Center residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 86% of Amherst Center residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 14% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Amherst Center is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Amherst Center has an overall crime rate that is 78% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.59 daily occurrences, comprising 0.2 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Amherst Center as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Amherst Center. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Amherst Center has increased by 4.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 8.8%, while property crime has increased by 2.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Amherst Center.
Amherst Center has a population density of 4160.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Amherst Center crime rates.
In Amherst Center, 93.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
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 Amherst Center, the cost of living is 26.33% higher than the national average.
| Item | Amherst Center | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 49 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hatfield, MA | 1,180 | 60 | 121 | 181 |
| Granby, MA | 1,221 | 50 | 298 | 347 |
| South Deerfield, MA | 2,201 | 112 | 397 | 509 |
| Easthampton Town, MA | 16,466 | 206 | 463 | 669 |
| Millers Falls, MA | 1,192 | 150 | 530 | 680 |
| Belchertown, MA | 3,147 | 209 | 522 | 730 |
| Deerfield, MA | 536 | 307 | 500 | 807 |
| Amherst Center, MA | 20,556 | 160 | 307 | 466 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oregon, OH | 20,555 | 193 | 4,206 | 4,399 |
| La Cañada Flintridge, CA | 20,543 | 88 | 1,519 | 1,607 |
| Painesville, OH | 20,574 | 183 | 584 | 768 |
| Eastchester, NY | 20,536 | 155 | 702 | 857 |
| Parma Heights, OH | 20,527 | 29 | 332 | 361 |
| Amherst Center, MA | 20,556 | 160 | 307 | 466 |
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