| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Shirley/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 457 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 27.7 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 179.9 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 208 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 55.3 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 12 | n/a | 166.0 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 27.7 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 249 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Shirley is 80.4% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Shirley, there were 15 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 208 per 100,000 individuals, 43.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 18 property crimes, amounting to 249 per 100,000 residents, 87.3% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 457, significantly below the national average of 2324, Shirley stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
In the most recently reported crime year, Shirley 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.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Shirley has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 249 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Shirley remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
To determine if Shirley 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. Shirley has a total crime rate that is 80% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.09 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.05 daily property crimes) in Shirley.
Year-over-year crime rates in Shirley has decreased by 17.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Shirley 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 decreased by 11.8%, while property crime has decreased by 21.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Shirley.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Shirley crime rates. In Shirley, the poverty rate stands at 6.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
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 Shirley 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. Shirley has an unemployment rate of 0%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Shirley stands at $259,600, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Shirley | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Clinton, MA | 7,058 | 52 | 32 | 84 |
| Groton, MA | 1,127 | 81 | 144 | 226 |
| Townsend, MA | 1,276 | 124 | 337 | 461 |
| Hudson, MA | 15,222 | 148 | 367 | 515 |
| South Lancaster, MA | 1,575 | 133 | 441 | 573 |
| Rutland, MA | 1,749 | 365 | 236 | 601 |
| East Pepperell, MA | 1,916 | 140 | 465 | 605 |
| Shirley, MA | 1,716 | 208 | 249 | 457 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Berwick, ME | 1,716 | 97 | 387 | 484 |
| Harlan, IN | 1,715 | 118 | 598 | 716 |
| Winchester, IL | 1,717 | 140 | 821 | 961 |
| Hatch, NM | 1,718 | 430 | 1,643 | 2,073 |
| Nicholson, GA | 1,714 | 171 | 787 | 957 |
| Shirley, MA | 1,716 | 208 | 249 | 457 |
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