| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterbury/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,703 | n/a (estimate) | 3,264 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 16 | n/a | 14.1 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 46 | n/a | 40.5 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 160 | n/a | 141.0 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 220 | n/a | 193.9 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 442 | n/a (estimate) | 390 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 356 | n/a | 313.8 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,302 | n/a | 2,028.8 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 603 | n/a | 531.4 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,261 | n/a (estimate) | 2,874 | 1,494 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waterbury is 40.4% higher 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 Waterbury, there were 442 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 390 per 100,000 individuals, 5.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3261 property crimes, amounting to 2874 per 100,000 residents, 47.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Waterbury exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 390 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Waterbury as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Waterbury is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 16 murders in Waterbury, which equates to 14 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Waterbury being a very dangerous place to live.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Waterbury is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Waterbury reported a total of 603 vehicle thefts, resulting in 531 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 189, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes surveyed 79 local residents in Waterbury to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waterbury and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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 get a feel for the safety of living in Waterbury, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waterbury presents a total crime rate that is 40% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waterbury experiences an average of 10.15 daily crimes, comprising 1.21 violent incidents and 8.93 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waterbury. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Waterbury has increased by 0.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 28.1%, while property crime has increased by 2.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waterbury.
In Waterbury, 74.1% 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 Waterbury, the cost of living is 3.32% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In Waterbury, the median home price stands at $132,700, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Waterbury | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 333 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Litchfield, CT | 1,279 | 40 | 400 | 440 |
| Newtown, CT | 1,921 | 25 | 430 | 455 |
| Bethlehem Village, CT | 1,792 | 48 | 473 | 521 |
| Woodbury Center, CT | 1,153 | 54 | 534 | 588 |
| Plantsville, CT | 1,923 | 61 | 609 | 670 |
| Thomaston, CT | 1,730 | 13 | 752 | 765 |
| Heritage Village, CT | 4,465 | 86 | 856 | 942 |
| Waterbury, CT | 107,841 | 390 | 2,874 | 3,264 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Meridian, ID | 107,787 | 140 | 631 | 771 |
| Lewisville, TX | 107,740 | 294 | 2,206 | 2,500 |
| Hillsboro, OR | 108,026 | 296 | 2,567 | 2,863 |
| Sandy Springs, GA | 108,180 | 139 | 1,496 | 1,635 |
| Greeley, CO | 107,445 | 582 | 3,162 | 3,744 |
| Waterbury, CT | 107,841 | 390 | 2,874 | 3,264 |
Here are the best places to live in Connecticut
10 best cities to buy a new house in Connecticut
See the best places to live in & around Waterbury
Top 10 best public schools in Waterbury