| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lancaster/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 441 | n/a (estimate) | 1,122 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 5.1 | 29.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 5.1 | 112.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 30.5 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 41 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | 28 | n/a | 71.2 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 380 | n/a | 966.8 | 1,422.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 43.3 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 425 | n/a (estimate) | 1,081 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
The Lancaster crime rates are 51.7% lower 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 16 violent crimes in Lancaster (41 per 100,000 people), which is 89% lower than the national average and there were a total of 425 property crimes (1081 per 100,000 residents) which is 44.7% lower than average.
Lancaster stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 41 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Lancaster secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Lancaster 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Lancaster, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lancaster presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lancaster experiences an average of 1.21 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 1.16 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lancaster has increased by 22.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lancaster 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 33.3%, while property crime has increased by 22.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lancaster.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lancaster currently has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Lancaster has a population density of 3737.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Lancaster crime rates.
In Lancaster, the cost of living is 12.45% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
| Item | Lancaster | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 65 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Billington Heights, NY | 1,503 | 161 | 645 | 806 |
| Clarence Center, NY | 3,211 | 172 | 690 | 862 |
| Elma Center, NY | 3,806 | 172 | 690 | 862 |
| Clarence, NY | 2,238 | 182 | 732 | 915 |
| Rapids, NY | 687 | 192 | 773 | 965 |
| Wanakah, NY | 3,296 | 206 | 829 | 1,035 |
| Town Line, NY | 1,752 | 209 | 837 | 1,046 |
| Lancaster, NY | 10,087 | 41 | 1,081 | 1,122 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Makaha, HI | 10,087 | 308 | 2,882 | 3,190 |
| Sleepy Hollow, NY | 10,089 | 171 | 686 | 857 |
| Capitola, CA | 10,090 | 267 | 3,139 | 3,406 |
| Harrisonville, MO | 10,084 | 352 | 2,139 | 2,491 |
| Chalco, NE | 10,092 | 261 | 1,739 | 2,000 |
| Lancaster, NY | 10,087 | 41 | 1,081 | 1,122 |
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