A+
79%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleEssex/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime18n/a (estimate)4891,3922,324
Murder0n/a0.02.16.3
Rape0n/a0.029.140.0
Robbery0n/a0.037.766.1
Assault4n/a108.8253.1268.2
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)109322370
Burglary2n/a54.4142.8269.8
Theft11n/a299.1827.61,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a27.299.7282.7
Property crime14n/a (estimate)3811,0701,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Essex, MA

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 Essex crime rate is lower than the national average by 78.9%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Essex, equivalent to 109 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 70.6%. Furthermore, Essex recorded 14 property crimes, amounting to 381 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 80.5%.

Essex has a crime rate of 489, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Essex being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Essex shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 109 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Essex an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Essex 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.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Essex has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 381 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Essex remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

Is Essex a Safe Place to Live?

Is Essex 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, Essex has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 79%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Essex as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Essex Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Essex. 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 Essex has increased by 63.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 55.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Essex.

Potential Causes for Crime in Essex

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. Essex, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Essex has a population density of 824.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Essex crime rates.

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 Essex, the average monthly rent stands at $483, while the national average is $949 per month.

Essex crime map



The Essex crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Essex 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 Essex crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Essex 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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Compare Essex, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Essex crime rates are 79% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Essex are 71% lower than the national average
      • In Essex you have a 1 in 205 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Essex is safer than 80% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Essex has increased by 73%

      Essex, MA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Essex

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        Daily Crime In Essex (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Essex (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Essex

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Essex is 1 in 920
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Essex is 1 in 263
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Essex is 1 in 205

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

        Essex police department

        Item Essex Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1211,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.42.23.3
        There are a total of 12 Essex police officers. This results in 3.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 56.4% greater than the Massachusetts average and 3.6% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Boxford, MA2,925124961
        Rockport, MA5,24729115144
        Ipswich, MA4,82644255299
        Rowley, MA1,80365245310
        Topsfield, MA3,04661365425
        Marblehead, MA20,53069449518
        Melrose, MA28,05459496555
        Essex, MA1,697109381489

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lake Sherwood, CA1,69770329399
        Aberdeen, IN1,69843217260
        Watertown, TN1,698321450771
        Lamar, AR1,6962301,2081,438
        Wacousta, MI1,698101336436
        Essex, MA1,697109381489
        Source: The Essex, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.