| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gardner/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 202 | n/a (estimate) | 949 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 28.2 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.7 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 63 | n/a | 295.9 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 329 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 89.3 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 101 | n/a | 474.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 56.4 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 132 | n/a (estimate) | 620 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Gardner is 55.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 70 violent crimes reported in Gardner, equivalent to 329 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 8.4%. Additionally, Gardner recorded 132 property crimes, amounting to 620 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 64.8%.
The violent crime rate in Gardner closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 329 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Gardner as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Gardner registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Gardner records a property crime rate of 620 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Gardner as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
What do the local residents think about crime in Gardner? Well, based on a recent survey of 17 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 35% of Gardner residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 65% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Gardner 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, Gardner has an overall crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.55 daily occurrences, comprising 0.19 violent crimes and 0.36 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Gardner as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Gardner has decreased by 24.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gardner 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 9.4%, while property crime has decreased by 35.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gardner.
In Gardner, 79.4% 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Gardner is $354,500, compared to a national average of $326,622.
In Gardner, the average rental rates are $1,323 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
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 | Gardner | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Greenville, NH | 1,041 | 50 | 199 | 249 |
| Rutland, MA | 1,789 | 103 | 216 | 319 |
| South Lancaster, MA | 1,628 | 104 | 367 | 471 |
| Townsend, MA | 1,311 | 109 | 481 | 591 |
| Barre, MA | 969 | 319 | 443 | 762 |
| Winchendon, MA | 4,851 | 234 | 572 | 806 |
| Lunenburg, MA | 1,634 | 107 | 1,033 | 1,141 |
| Gardner, MA | 21,410 | 329 | 620 | 949 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Green Valley, AZ | 21,416 | 300 | 1,272 | 1,572 |
| Stephenville, TX | 21,421 | 180 | 1,161 | 1,340 |
| Hays, KS | 21,398 | 233 | 1,461 | 1,694 |
| New Hope, MN | 21,432 | 172 | 1,959 | 2,131 |
| Ferguson, MO | 21,445 | 712 | 3,499 | 4,211 |
| Gardner, MA | 21,410 | 329 | 620 | 949 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts
Safest Cities In The US
Safest States In The US