F
377%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
1,135%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
222%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDewey Beach/100k peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime41n/a (estimate)10,0992,1072,119
Murder0n/a0.05.75.0
Rape1n/a246.315.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.047.060.6
Assault17n/a4,187.2292.4256.1
Violent crime18n/a (estimate)4,434361359
Burglary7n/a1,724.1175.1229.2
Theft16n/a3,940.91,361.91,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0208.8258.8
Property crime23n/a (estimate)5,6651,7461,760

Dewey Beach crime map

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The Dewey Beach crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Dewey Beach as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Dewey Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Dewey Beach crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Dewey Beach, DE

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dewey Beach?

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.

Is Dewey Beach a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Dewey Beach Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime 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.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Dewey Beach crime rates are 377% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Dewey Beach are 1135% higher than the national average
      • In Dewey Beach you have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Dewey Beach is safer than 0% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Dewey Beach has decreased by 2%

      Dewey Beach, DE Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Dewey Beach

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        Daily Crime In Dewey Beach (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Dewey Beach (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Dewey Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dewey Beach is 1 in 23
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Dewey Beach is 1 in 18
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Dewey Beach is 1 in 10

        Year Over Year Crime In Dewey Beach (per 100,000 people)

        Dewey Beach police department

        Item Dewey Beach Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)10962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents28.55.43.3
        There are a total of 10 Dewey Beach police officers. This results in 28.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 431.1% greater than the Delaware average and 776.2% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Delaware

        State Total offenders Delaware /100K National /100K
        Delaware4,039505266
        There are a total of 4,039 sex offenders in Delaware. This yields a total of 505 sex offenders in Delaware per 100,000 residents which is 90% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Millville, DE1,51575362437
        South Bethany, DE5690577577
        Ocean View, DE2,71866560626
        Lewes, DE3,362162540702
        Henlopen Acres, DE191146705851
        Frankford, DE731110773884
        Long Neck, DE2,9531848921,076
        Dewey Beach, DE4544,4345,66510,099

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kulm, ND4543422,2682,610
        Hampton, NE4542371,7511,988
        Lyon, MS4541551,0031,158
        Cochiti Lake, NM4545582,1412,699
        Canton, MN4543712,3162,686
        Dewey Beach, DE4544,4345,66510,099
        Source: The Dewey Beach, DE crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.