| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bellingham/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 228 | n/a (estimate) | 1,260 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 44.2 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 22.1 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 149.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 215 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 66.3 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 166 | n/a | 917.2 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 60.8 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 189 | n/a (estimate) | 1,044 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
The Bellingham crime rates are 40.6% 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 39 violent crimes in Bellingham (215 per 100,000 people), which is 40% lower than the national average and there were a total of 189 property crimes (1044 per 100,000 residents) which is 40.7% 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Bellingham? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Bellingham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bellingham, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bellingham presents a total crime rate that is 41% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bellingham experiences an average of 0.62 daily crimes, comprising 0.11 violent incidents and 0.52 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 Bellingham. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bellingham has increased by 14%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.9%, while property crimes have increased by 12.5%. 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.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bellingham, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
In Bellingham, the cost of living is 33.06% 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bellingham, the average monthly rent stands at $2,398, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| 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 |
| Upton, MA | 2,347 | 35 | 105 | 140 |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,982 | 49 | 174 | 224 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,394 | 37 | 240 | 277 |
| Hopedale, MA | 3,750 | 65 | 244 | 309 |
| Harmony, RI | 1,230 | 40 | 270 | 310 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,986 | 84 | 243 | 327 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,867 | 149 | 231 | 380 |
| Bellingham, MA | 4,383 | 215 | 1,044 | 1,260 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cortland, IL | 4,384 | 44 | 465 | 509 |
| American Falls, ID | 4,384 | 268 | 288 | 556 |
| Beaver, PA | 4,385 | 41 | 407 | 448 |
| Le Roy, NY | 4,381 | 333 | 1,505 | 1,838 |
| Grant-Valkaria, FL | 4,385 | 69 | 369 | 438 |
| Bellingham, MA | 4,383 | 215 | 1,044 | 1,260 |
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