| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chestertown/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 112 | n/a (estimate) | 1,987 | 2,034 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 35.5 | 30.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 88.7 | 114.2 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 195.1 | 245.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 319 | 399 | 370 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 230.6 | 190.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 81 | n/a | 1,436.7 | 1,225.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 219.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 94 | n/a (estimate) | 1,667 | 1,635 | 1,954 |
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 Chestertown crime rate is lower than the national average by 14.5%. Specifically, there were 18 violent crimes in Chestertown, equivalent to 319 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 13.7%. Furthermore, Chestertown recorded 94 property crimes, amounting to 1667 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 14.7%.
In the latest reported crime year, Chestertown recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Chestertown was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
What do the local residents think about crime in Chestertown? Well, based on a recent survey of 12 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Chestertown residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Chestertown 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, Chestertown has an overall crime rate that is 15% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.31 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Chestertown as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Chestertown has increased by 33.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Chestertown 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 increased by 38.5%, while property crime has increased by 32.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Chestertown.
Chestertown has a poverty rate that stands at 15.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Chestertown crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Chestertown 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. Chestertown has an unemployment rate of 0.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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 Chestertown, the cost of living is 7.33% higher than the national average.
| Item | Chestertown | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maryland /100K | National /100K |
| Maryland | 7,370 | 135 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rock Hall, MD | 1,563 | 84 | 669 | 753 |
| Kingstown, MD | 1,853 | 166 | 680 | 846 |
| Cecilton, MD | 901 | 201 | 826 | 1,027 |
| Centreville, MD | 4,829 | 245 | 1,005 | 1,250 |
| Joppatowne, MD | 12,833 | 435 | 1,788 | 2,223 |
| Tolchester, MD | 435 | 469 | 1,925 | 2,394 |
| Barclay, MD | 239 | 478 | 1,964 | 2,442 |
| Chestertown, MD | 5,073 | 319 | 1,667 | 1,987 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Holbrook, AZ | 5,073 | 504 | 2,400 | 2,904 |
| Creve Coeur, IL | 5,074 | 331 | 1,942 | 2,273 |
| Penn Yan, NY | 5,072 | 419 | 1,682 | 2,102 |
| Vinton, IA | 5,075 | 250 | 1,164 | 1,414 |
| Montevideo, MN | 5,071 | 0 | 39 | 39 |
| Chestertown, MD | 5,073 | 319 | 1,667 | 1,987 |
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