| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Barnstable Town/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 609 | n/a (estimate) | 1,196 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 64.8 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 17.7 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 166 | n/a | 326.0 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 410 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 67 | n/a | 131.6 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 296 | n/a | 581.2 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 37 | n/a | 72.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 400 | n/a (estimate) | 785 | 1,112 | 1,760 |

The Barnstable Town crime rates are 43.6% 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 209 violent crimes in Barnstable Town (410 per 100,000 people), which is 14.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 400 property crimes (785 per 100,000 residents) which is 55.4% lower than average.
Barnstable Town exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 410 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Barnstable Town as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
What do the local residents think about crime in Barnstable Town? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 27% of Barnstable Town residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 73% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Barnstable Town a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Barnstable Town has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 44%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.67 daily incidents, encompassing 0.57 violent crimes and 1.1 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Barnstable Town as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Barnstable Town. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Barnstable Town has increased by 15.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 6.1%, while property crimes have increased by 20.9%. 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.
Barnstable Town has a population density of 763.7 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 Barnstable Town crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Barnstable Town, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.85 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Barnstable Town has a median home price of $721,701, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Barnstable Town | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 130 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Harwich Port, MA | 1,962 | 56 | 199 | 255 |
| Mashpee Neck, MA | 1,455 | 58 | 203 | 261 |
| Teaticket, MA | 1,645 | 72 | 253 | 324 |
| Brewster, MA | 1,374 | 123 | 245 | 368 |
| West Dennis, MA | 2,559 | 90 | 318 | 409 |
| East Sandwich, MA | 3,760 | 92 | 324 | 415 |
| Harwich Center, MA | 1,431 | 93 | 329 | 422 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 45,771 | 410 | 785 | 1,196 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cleveland Heights, OH | 45,821 | 251 | 1,300 | 1,551 |
| Ashburn, VA | 45,717 | 94 | 678 | 772 |
| Whitney, NV | 45,877 | 441 | 2,412 | 2,853 |
| Morgan Hill, CA | 45,880 | 195 | 1,509 | 1,704 |
| Wake Forest, NC | 45,648 | 147 | 1,305 | 1,452 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 45,771 | 410 | 785 | 1,196 |