| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bellingham/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 194 | n/a (estimate) | 1,144 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 58.9 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 11.8 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 100.2 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 171 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 88.4 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 145 | n/a | 854.7 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 29.5 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 165 | n/a (estimate) | 973 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
The Bellingham crime rates are 50.8% 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 29 violent crimes in Bellingham (171 per 100,000 people), which is 53.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 165 property crimes (973 per 100,000 residents) which is 50.2% lower than average.
Bellingham 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Bellingham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bellingham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bellingham a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bellingham crime rate is 51% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.53 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.45 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Bellingham crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Bellingham has decreased by 3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 9.4% and property crime has decreased by 1.8%.
In Bellingham, 92.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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 Bellingham, the cost of living is 28.02% 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.
Bellingham has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.99 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.
| Item | Bellingham | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,884 | 63 | 209 | 272 |
| Upton, MA | 2,279 | 123 | 184 | 307 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,217 | 38 | 275 | 313 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,668 | 76 | 267 | 343 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,864 | 156 | 245 | 401 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Bellingham, MA | 4,216 | 171 | 973 | 1,144 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hometown, IL | 4,216 | 245 | 1,438 | 1,684 |
| Pittsfield, IL | 4,215 | 120 | 1,004 | 1,124 |
| Huber Ridge, OH | 4,213 | 212 | 1,284 | 1,496 |
| Williamston, SC | 4,219 | 623 | 2,780 | 3,404 |
| Sebring, OH | 4,213 | 193 | 843 | 1,035 |
| Bellingham, MA | 4,216 | 171 | 973 | 1,144 |
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