| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilmington/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 229 | n/a (estimate) | 1,003 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 21.9 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 17.5 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 109.5 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 34 | n/a (estimate) | 149 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 83.2 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 164 | n/a | 718.5 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 52.6 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 195 | n/a (estimate) | 854 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Wilmington is 56.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 34 violent crimes reported in Wilmington, equivalent to 149 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 59.7%. Additionally, Wilmington recorded 195 property crimes, amounting to 854 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 56.3%.
In the latest reported crime year, Wilmington 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Wilmington residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 38% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Wilmington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 63% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wilmington, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wilmington presents a total crime rate that is 57% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wilmington experiences an average of 0.63 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 0.53 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 data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wilmington. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wilmington has increased by 32.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 61.9%, while property crimes have increased by 28.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Wilmington has a population density of 1378 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Wilmington crime rates.
In Wilmington, 91.6% 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 Wilmington, the cost of living is 45.29% 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 | Wilmington | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 62 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 30 | 211 | 241 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,046 | 61 | 365 | 425 |
| Melrose, MA | 28,054 | 59 | 496 | 555 |
| Winthrop Town, MA | 18,558 | 123 | 462 | 585 |
| Wilmington, MA | 23,390 | 149 | 854 | 1,003 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tumwater, WA | 23,390 | 229 | 3,359 | 3,588 |
| North Augusta, SC | 23,370 | 168 | 2,284 | 2,452 |
| Lisle, IL | 23,363 | 121 | 707 | 827 |
| Oak Harbor, WA | 23,358 | 60 | 885 | 945 |
| Greenwood, SC | 23,351 | 822 | 4,055 | 4,877 |
| Wilmington, MA | 23,390 | 149 | 854 | 1,003 |
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