| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Essex/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 637 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 26.5 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 265.3 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 292 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 26.5 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 265.3 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 53.1 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 345 | 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 Essex crime rate is lower than the national average by 70%. Specifically, there were 11 violent crimes in Essex, equivalent to 292 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 18.8%. Furthermore, Essex recorded 13 property crimes, amounting to 345 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 80.4%.
Essex enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 637, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Essex 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.
Essex showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Essex has a property crime rate of 345 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Essex is a safe place to live.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Essex 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 Essex crime rate is 70% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Essex. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Essex has increased by 118.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 450%, while property crimes have increased by 44.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Essex, the cost of living is 53.51% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Essex, the median home price stands at $1,023,243, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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.
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 Essex, the average rental rates are $737 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Essex | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Boxford, MA | 3,040 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Rockport, MA | 5,358 | 42 | 126 | 169 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Rowley, MA | 1,844 | 58 | 204 | 262 |
| Ipswich, MA | 4,988 | 134 | 274 | 408 |
| Newburyport, MA | 18,788 | 47 | 395 | 442 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Essex, MA | 1,748 | 292 | 345 | 637 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wacousta, MI | 1,748 | 61 | 194 | 254 |
| Chatmoss, VA | 1,748 | 70 | 503 | 573 |
| Ackerman, MS | 1,747 | 64 | 1,091 | 1,155 |
| Southport, CT | 1,747 | 19 | 192 | 211 |
| Coaling, AL | 1,747 | 152 | 863 | 1,015 |
| Essex, MA | 1,748 | 292 | 345 | 637 |
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