B-
5%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
32%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
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 peopleElsmere/100k peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime124n/a (estimate)2,0212,1072,119
Murder0n/a0.05.75.0
Rape0n/a0.015.737.5
Robbery1n/a16.347.060.6
Assault14n/a228.2292.4256.1
Violent crime15n/a (estimate)244361359
Burglary15n/a244.5175.1229.2
Theft72n/a1,173.61,361.91,272.1
Vehicle theft22n/a358.6208.8258.8
Property crime109n/a (estimate)1,7771,7461,760

Elsmere crime map

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The Elsmere crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Elsmere 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 Elsmere crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Elsmere 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 Elsmere, DE

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Elsmere crime rate is lower than the national average by 4.6%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Elsmere, equivalent to 244 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 31.9%. Furthermore, Elsmere recorded 109 property crimes, amounting to 1777 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 0.9%.

In terms of the total Elsmere crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Elsmere, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

In the most recently reported crime year, Elsmere 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.

Elsmere exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1777 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Elsmere maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Elsmere a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Elsmere, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Elsmere presents a total crime rate that is 5% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Elsmere experiences an average of 0.34 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.3 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 Elsmere Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Elsmere. 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 Elsmere has decreased by 8.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 55.9%, while property crime has decreased by 7.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Elsmere.

Potential Causes for Crime in Elsmere

Elsmere has a population density of 5915.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Elsmere crime rates.

In Elsmere, 71.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Elsmere has a median home price of $315,626, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Compare Elsmere, DE Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Elsmere crime rates are 5% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Elsmere are 32% lower than the national average
      • In Elsmere you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Elsmere is safer than 34% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Elsmere has not changed

      Elsmere, DE Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Elsmere (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Elsmere on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Delaware and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Elsmere (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Delaware, are 1.04 times less than the state average and 1.05 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Elsmere on a daily basis are 1.48 times less than than Delaware average and 1.47 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Elsmere are 1.02 times more than the daily state average and 1.01 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Elsmere (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Elsmere in comparison to other Delaware communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Elsmere safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Elsmere being safer than 55% of cities in Delaware and 34% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Delaware cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Elsmere. In conclusion, Elsmere ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Elsmere

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Elsmere is 1 in 409
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Elsmere is 1 in 57
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Elsmere is 1 in 50
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Elsmere, Delaware you have a 1 in 409 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 57 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Elsmere.

        Year Over Year Crime In Elsmere (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Elsmere is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Elsmere has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 38% in Elsmere, while property crimes in Elsmere have increased by 9%. Total crime has not changed year over year.

        Elsmere police department

        Item Elsmere Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)14962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.25.43.3
        There are a total of 14 Elsmere police officers. This results in 2.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 58.2% less than the Delaware average and 31% less 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
        Rose Valley, PA1,19035201236
        Toughkenamon, PA1,09146269315
        Greenville, DE2,50157274331
        Lima, PA2,10252304357
        Chester Heights, PA2,74155323378
        St. Georges, DE1,08472348420
        Avondale, PA1,39978457536
        Elsmere, DE5,9542441,7772,021

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Smiths Station, AL5,9542119161,127
        Chickasaw, AL5,9544342,1522,586
        Yarmouth, ME5,95489421509
        Newmarket, NH5,95553379432
        Schriever, LA5,9564722,0822,554
        Elsmere, DE5,9542441,7772,021
        Source: The Elsmere, 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.