| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Swampscott/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 144 | n/a (estimate) | 943 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 13.1 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 65.5 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 79 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 91.7 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 116 | n/a | 759.8 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 13.1 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 132 | n/a (estimate) | 865 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
The Swampscott crime rates are 59.4% 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 12 violent crimes in Swampscott (79 per 100,000 people), which is 78.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 132 property crimes (865 per 100,000 residents) which is 55.8% lower than average.
With only 79 incidents per 100,000 people, Swampscott boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Swampscott has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
Swampscott 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 Swampscott, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Swampscott presents a total crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Swampscott experiences an average of 0.39 daily crimes, comprising 0.03 violent incidents and 0.36 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 Swampscott has increased by 24.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Swampscott 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 100%, while property crime has increased by 20%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Swampscott.
In Swampscott, the cost of living is 48.09% higher 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.
Swampscott has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.21 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
Swampscott has an average rental rate of $2,027 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Swampscott | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 | 2,925 | 12 | 49 | 61 |
| Rockport, MA | 5,247 | 29 | 115 | 144 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 30 | 211 | 241 |
| Ipswich, MA | 4,826 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,046 | 61 | 365 | 425 |
| Essex, MA | 1,697 | 109 | 381 | 489 |
| Swampscott, MA | 15,184 | 79 | 865 | 943 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Elk Plain, WA | 15,192 | 456 | 4,071 | 4,527 |
| Graham, NC | 15,168 | 420 | 2,060 | 2,480 |
| Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace, FL | 15,168 | 320 | 1,937 | 2,258 |
| Brooklyn Park, MD | 15,163 | 496 | 2,036 | 2,532 |
| Rutland, VT | 15,207 | 479 | 4,856 | 5,335 |
| Swampscott, MA | 15,184 | 79 | 865 | 943 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Massachusetts
See the best places to live in & around Swampscott
Check out the 10 safest cities in Massachusetts