| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Burlington/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,200 | n/a (estimate) | 11,780 | 3,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 19.6 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 49.1 | 39.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 216.0 | 86.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 49.1 | 244.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 34 | n/a (estimate) | 334 | 376 | 370 |
| Burglary | 130 | n/a | 1,276.1 | 563.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 933 | n/a | 9,158.7 | 2,154.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 103 | n/a | 1,011.1 | 639.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,166 | n/a (estimate) | 11,446 | 3,356 | 1,954 |
The Burlington crime rates are 406.8% higher 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 34 violent crimes in Burlington (334 per 100,000 people), which is 9.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1166 property crimes (11446 per 100,000 residents) which is 485.7% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 11780 per 100,000 residents, Burlington experiences a crime rate that is 406.83% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Burlington contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Burlington has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 334 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Burlington stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Burlington, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 20 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Burlington reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 11446 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to property crime in Burlington, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Burlington faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 103 vehicle thefts, translating to 1011 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Burlington in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 99.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Burlington residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Burlington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Burlington a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Burlington has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 407%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.29 daily incidents, encompassing 0.09 violent crimes and 3.19 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Burlington as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Burlington. 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 Burlington has increased by 28.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 126.7%, while property crime has increased by 26.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Burlington.
Burlington has a poverty rate of 16, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Burlington, there are 3.51 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Burlington, the average rental rates are $1,189 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Burlington | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 30 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Big Lake, WA | 2,251 | 77 | 690 | 767 |
| Oak Harbor, WA | 23,358 | 60 | 885 | 945 |
| Lake Cavanaugh, WA | 220 | 152 | 1,356 | 1,508 |
| Bay View, WA | 666 | 152 | 1,356 | 1,508 |
| Alger, WA | 150 | 231 | 2,064 | 2,295 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | 35,502 | 270 | 2,948 | 3,219 |
| Lake Ketchum, WA | 1,278 | 333 | 2,972 | 3,305 |
| Burlington, WA | 9,085 | 334 | 11,446 | 11,780 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| LaSalle, IL | 9,086 | 63 | 159 | 222 |
| Rochelle, IL | 9,083 | 332 | 1,949 | 2,282 |
| Merrill, WI | 9,081 | 171 | 2,805 | 2,976 |
| Boulder Hill, IL | 9,081 | 304 | 1,782 | 2,085 |
| Innsbrook, VA | 9,081 | 159 | 1,149 | 1,307 |
| Burlington, WA | 9,085 | 334 | 11,446 | 11,780 |
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