| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dewey Beach/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 41 | n/a (estimate) | 10,099 | 2,107 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 246.3 | 15.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 4,187.2 | 292.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 4,434 | 361 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 1,724.1 | 175.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 3,940.9 | 1,361.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 208.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 5,665 | 1,746 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Dewey Beach is 376.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Dewey Beach, there were 18 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 4434 per 100,000 individuals, 1134.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 23 property crimes, amounting to 5665 per 100,000 residents, 221.9% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 10099 per 100,000 residents, Dewey Beach experiences a crime rate that is 376.53% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Dewey Beach contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Dewey Beach ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 4434 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Dewey Beach stand at 1 in every 23 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
In the most recently reported crime year, Dewey Beach registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Dewey Beach reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5665 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to property crime in Dewey Beach, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Dewey Beach stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Dewey Beach to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 71% of people answered that there was very little crime in Dewey Beach and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 29% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Dewey Beach, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Dewey Beach presents a total crime rate that is 377% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Dewey Beach experiences an average of 0.11 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.06 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Dewey Beach. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Dewey Beach has decreased by 28.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 10%, while property crime has decreased by 37.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Dewey Beach.
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. Dewey Beach, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Dewey Beach, the cost of living is 70.87% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Dewey Beach stands at $1,345,072, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Dewey Beach | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 28.5 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Millville, DE | 1,515 | 75 | 362 | 437 |
| South Bethany, DE | 569 | 0 | 577 | 577 |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,718 | 66 | 560 | 626 |
| Lewes, DE | 3,362 | 162 | 540 | 702 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 191 | 146 | 705 | 851 |
| Frankford, DE | 731 | 110 | 773 | 884 |
| Long Neck, DE | 2,953 | 184 | 892 | 1,076 |
| Dewey Beach, DE | 454 | 4,434 | 5,665 | 10,099 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kulm, ND | 454 | 342 | 2,268 | 2,610 |
| Hampton, NE | 454 | 237 | 1,751 | 1,988 |
| Lyon, MS | 454 | 155 | 1,003 | 1,158 |
| Cochiti Lake, NM | 454 | 558 | 2,141 | 2,699 |
| Canton, MN | 454 | 371 | 2,316 | 2,686 |
| Dewey Beach, DE | 454 | 4,434 | 5,665 | 10,099 |