| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurel/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 230 | n/a (estimate) | 5,505 | 2,348 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 23.9 | 22.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 167.5 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 61 | n/a | 1,460.0 | 299.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 69 | n/a (estimate) | 1,652 | 384 | 370 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 287.2 | 203.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 133 | n/a | 3,183.3 | 1,591.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 383.0 | 169.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 161 | n/a (estimate) | 3,854 | 1,964 | 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 Laurel crime rate is higher than the national average by 136.9%. Specifically, there were 69 violent crimes in Laurel, equivalent to 1652 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 346.6%. Furthermore, Laurel recorded 161 property crimes, amounting to 3854 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 97.2%.
Having a crime rate of 5505 per 100,000 residents, Laurel experiences a crime rate that is 136.86% 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, Laurel 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.
Laurel ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1652 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Laurel stand at 1 in every 61 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
During the most recently reported crime year, Laurel experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
With a property crime rate of 3854 crimes per 100,000 people, Laurel unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Laurel is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Laurel to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Laurel and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Laurel is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Laurel has a total crime rate that is 137% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.63 daily crimes (0.19 violent daily crimes and 0.44 daily property crimes) in Laurel.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Laurel crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Laurel has increased by 9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 15% and property crime has increased by 6.6%.
Laurel has a poverty rate of 36, 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 educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Laurel, 72.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Laurel, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.94 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Laurel | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.9 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Milton, DE | 2,993 | 113 | 451 | 564 |
| Hebron, MD | 1,019 | 205 | 842 | 1,047 |
| Pittsville, MD | 1,742 | 207 | 852 | 1,060 |
| Federalsburg, MD | 2,668 | 240 | 986 | 1,226 |
| Delmar, MD | 3,321 | 269 | 1,103 | 1,372 |
| Bridgeville, DE | 3,508 | 507 | 1,702 | 2,209 |
| Bethel, DE | 404 | 377 | 1,930 | 2,307 |
| Laurel, DE | 4,311 | 1,652 | 3,854 | 5,505 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Troy, WI | 4,310 | 84 | 295 | 379 |
| Atlantic Highlands, NJ | 4,312 | 68 | 453 | 521 |
| University Gardens, NY | 4,310 | 111 | 447 | 559 |
| Heritage Hills, NY | 4,309 | 130 | 522 | 652 |
| Canton, NC | 4,313 | 361 | 3,068 | 3,429 |
| Laurel, DE | 4,311 | 1,652 | 3,854 | 5,505 |
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