| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 326 | n/a (estimate) | 1,474 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 13.6 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 27.1 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 41 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 99.4 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 257 | n/a | 1,161.7 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 38 | n/a | 171.8 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 317 | n/a (estimate) | 1,433 | 1,494 | 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 Watertown crime rate is lower than the national average by 36.6%. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes in Watertown, equivalent to 41 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 89%. Furthermore, Watertown recorded 317 property crimes, amounting to 1433 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 26.7%.
Watertown has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 41 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Watertown ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Watertown recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Watertown, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watertown presents a total crime rate that is 37% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watertown experiences an average of 0.89 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.87 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown has increased by 0.6%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 0.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watertown.
Watertown reports an unemployment rate of 6.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Watertown crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Watertown crime rates. The population density in Watertown is 1532.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Watertown, the cost of living is 14.32% 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.
| Item | Watertown | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 49 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| New Milford, CT | 6,749 | 28 | 651 | 680 |
| Thomaston, CT | 1,730 | 13 | 752 | 765 |
| Watertown, CT | 3,620 | 41 | 1,433 | 1,474 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Golden Beach, MD | 3,620 | 198 | 812 | 1,010 |
| Pine Level, AL | 3,621 | 170 | 721 | 891 |
| Central Gardens, TX | 3,621 | 101 | 539 | 640 |
| Berwyn, PA | 3,621 | 53 | 282 | 336 |
| Lake Isabella, CA | 3,621 | 375 | 1,755 | 2,130 |
| Watertown, CT | 3,620 | 41 | 1,433 | 1,474 |
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