Safest cities in Connecticut

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Known as the 'Constitution State,' Connecticut is a blend of coastal charm and rich history. Located in the northeastern United States, Connecticut boasts scenic shorelines along Long Island Sound, picturesque rural areas, and bustling urban centers. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from finance, insurance, manufacturing, and education sectors. Connecticut is home to prestigious institutions such as Yale University, adding to its cultural and intellectual vibrancy. The state offers a variety of cultural attractions, including historic sites, museums, theaters, and music festivals, providing residents with a rich array of activities and experiences.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in Connecticut highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of Connecticut's cities include strong law enforcement, active community policing, and engaged local governments. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring a transparent and reliable measure of safety. This emphasis on security allows residents to enjoy Connecticut's beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to live and work.

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Ridgefield Population: 7,228 305 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 24 Property Crime / 100k: 281 chance of being a victim: 1 in 328

Ridgefield proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Connecticut. With only 305 crimes per 100,000 people, Ridgefield has a crime rate that is 75% lower than the Connecticut average. This equates to an average of 0.21 crimes per day and a 1 in 328 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Portland Population: 5,937 434 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 434 chance of being a victim: 1 in 230

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Portland comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut with a crime rate of 434 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 85 counts of burglary, 307 counts of theft, 42 counts of vehicle theft, 0 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Portland, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Bethel Population: 10,839 538 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 10 Property Crime / 100k: 529 chance of being a victim: 1 in 186

With a population of 10,839 and a total crime rate of 538 per 100,000 residents, Bethel is the 3rd safest city in Connecticut. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 79% lower than the Connecticut average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

New Milford Population: 6,749 567 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 28 Property Crime / 100k: 539 chance of being a victim: 1 in 176

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, New Milford is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 567, 72% lower than the Connecticut average. This amounts to 0.44 crimes per day and a 1 in 176 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make New Milford a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Shelton Population: 41,162 751 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 42 Property Crime / 100k: 709 chance of being a victim: 1 in 133

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Shelton consistently ranks high in safety. In Shelton, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 751, which is 57% lower than the state average.

Groton Population: 8,999 873 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 194 Property Crime / 100k: 679 chance of being a victim: 1 in 115

Groton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 873 crimes per 100,000 people, 91% lower than the Connecticut average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 65 reports of burglary, 474 reports of theft, 140 reports of vehicle theft, 140 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 54 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Greenwich Population: 12,967 877 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 9 Property Crime / 100k: 867 chance of being a victim: 1 in 114

Greenwich ranks as the seventh safest city in Connecticut and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.53 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Greenwich’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Connecticut.

Putnam Population: 7,138 910 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 118 Property Crime / 100k: 792 chance of being a victim: 1 in 110

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Putnam is the 8th safest city in Connecticut. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Connecticut average, reporting a total of 910 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Willimantic Population: 18,669 990 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 174 Property Crime / 100k: 816 chance of being a victim: 1 in 101

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Willimantic is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Connecticut, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 990 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 82% lower than the state average.

Bristol Population: 60,039 1,016 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 58 Property Crime / 100k: 958 chance of being a victim: 1 in 98

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Connecticut, is Bristol. With a low rate of crime that included 86 burglaries, 564 thefts, 309 vehicle thefts, 21 assaults, 26 robberies, 8 rapes and 3 homicides, the overall crime rate was 38% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Connecticut

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Ridgefield	7,228	24	281	305
2	Portland	5,937	0	434	434
3	Bethel	10,839	10	529	538
4	New Milford	6,749	28	539	567
5	Shelton	41,162	42	709	751
6	Groton	8,999	194	679	873
7	Greenwich	12,967	9	867	877
8	Putnam	7,138	118	792	910
9	Willimantic	18,669	174	816	990
10	Bristol	60,039	58	958	1,016
11	Naugatuck	31,201	50	1,021	1,071
12	Darien	21,519	32	1,049	1,080
13	Windsor Locks	12,732	88	999	1,087
14	Torrington	34,259	81	1,039	1,120
15	Westport	27,511	4	1,130	1,134
16	Middletown	46,406	62	1,150	1,212
17	West Haven	54,666	104	1,238	1,343
18	Stamford	130,057	158	1,225	1,383
19	Wethersfield	26,068	59	1,370	1,429
20	Norwich	39,112	206	1,260	1,466
21	Ansonia	18,709	68	1,407	1,475
22	Danbury	84,650	262	1,257	1,519
23	Norwalk	88,755	85	1,505	1,589
24	New London	27,001	201	1,393	1,594
25	East Hartford	50,036	89	1,670	1,759
26	Meriden	59,512	128	1,688	1,817
27	Bridgeport	145,014	393	1,469	1,862
28	East Haven	28,645	98	1,953	2,051
29	Stratford	52,300	67	1,985	2,052
30	Milford city	52,902	117	2,096	2,212
31	Newington	30,114	76	2,136	2,212
32	Manchester	35,946	133	2,115	2,248
33	New Britain	72,543	421	1,925	2,347
34	Trumbull	36,477	104	2,272	2,377
35	North Haven	23,665	37	2,625	2,662
36	West Hartford	63,023	64	2,732	2,796
37	Derby	12,420	314	2,549	2,862
38	Waterbury	107,841	322	2,919	3,241
39	Hartford	122,549	516	2,846	3,361
40	Orange	13,928	42	3,505	3,547
41	New Haven	130,381	535	3,587	4,122

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Connecticut is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Connecticut cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.