| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elmira/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,224 | n/a (estimate) | 4,684 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.8 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 19.1 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 84.2 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 115 | n/a | 440.1 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 143 | n/a (estimate) | 547 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 112 | n/a | 428.6 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 949 | n/a | 3,631.8 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 20 | n/a | 76.5 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,081 | n/a (estimate) | 4,137 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Elmira is 121% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 143 violent crimes reported in Elmira, equivalent to 547 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 52.4%. Additionally, Elmira recorded 1081 property crimes, amounting to 4137 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 135%.
With a crime rate of 4684 per 100,000 residents, Elmira has a crime rate that is 121.04% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Elmira that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Elmira - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4137 per 100,000 people, Elmira has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Elmira residents. Out of the respondents (47 in total), 17% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Elmira were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 83% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Elmira a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Elmira has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 121%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.35 daily incidents, encompassing 0.39 violent crimes and 2.96 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elmira as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Elmira. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Elmira has increased by 40.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 142.4%, while property crimes have increased by 33.1%. 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.
Elmira has a poverty rate that stands at 24.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Elmira crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Elmira has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.1 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Elmira, the average rental rates are $1,115 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
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 | Elmira | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 91 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sayre, PA | 5,591 | 186 | 403 | 590 |
| South Waverly, PA | 1,091 | 90 | 525 | 615 |
| Painted Post, NY | 1,751 | 151 | 684 | 835 |
| South Corning, NY | 1,084 | 182 | 824 | 1,006 |
| Horseheads North, NY | 2,670 | 191 | 866 | 1,057 |
| Millerton, PA | 414 | 203 | 1,186 | 1,389 |
| West Elmira, NY | 4,911 | 256 | 1,161 | 1,417 |
| Elmira, NY | 27,860 | 547 | 4,137 | 4,684 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Eureka, CA | 27,853 | 1,016 | 3,170 | 4,187 |
| Ilchester, MD | 27,850 | 287 | 1,400 | 1,687 |
| Statesville, NC | 27,848 | 412 | 2,156 | 2,568 |
| Wilmette, IL | 27,840 | 22 | 1,188 | 1,210 |
| Marshalltown, IA | 27,894 | 297 | 1,773 | 2,071 |
| Elmira, NY | 27,860 | 547 | 4,137 | 4,684 |
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