| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Delaware/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 527 | n/a (estimate) | 1,137 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 28.0 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 15.1 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 101.4 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 147 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 73.3 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 399 | n/a | 860.5 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 56.1 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 459 | n/a (estimate) | 990 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

The Delaware crime rates are 46.4% 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 68 violent crimes in Delaware (147 per 100,000 people), which is 59.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 459 property crimes (990 per 100,000 residents) which is 43.8% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Delaware residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 17 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 65% of Delaware residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 35% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Delaware 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 Delaware crime rate is 46% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.44 crimes per day - 0.19 violent crimes and 1.26 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Delaware. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Delaware has increased by 24.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 19.3%, while property crimes have increased by 25.1%. 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.
In Delaware, the cost of living is 2.51% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Delaware, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
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 Delaware, the average monthly rent stands at $1,451, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Delaware | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 64 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Plain City, OH | 3,936 | 23 | 113 | 136 |
| New California, OH | 1,365 | 41 | 218 | 259 |
| Minerva Park, OH | 1,415 | 62 | 326 | 388 |
| Prospect, OH | 1,278 | 113 | 597 | 710 |
| Riverlea, OH | 589 | 119 | 627 | 745 |
| Galena, OH | 775 | 119 | 627 | 745 |
| Ostrander, OH | 940 | 119 | 627 | 745 |
| Delaware, OH | 42,781 | 147 | 990 | 1,137 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| La Quinta, CA | 42,775 | 177 | 1,945 | 2,122 |
| Grove City, OH | 42,755 | 129 | 2,652 | 2,782 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| Catonsville, MD | 42,742 | 406 | 1,980 | 2,386 |
| Bell Gardens, CA | 42,827 | 388 | 1,476 | 1,864 |
| Delaware, OH | 42,781 | 147 | 990 | 1,137 |