| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gettysburg/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 777 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 55.5 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 11.1 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 77.7 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 144 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 77.7 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 50 | n/a | 554.9 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 633 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Gettysburg crime rate is 63.3% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Gettysburg, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 144 per 100,000 individuals, 59.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Gettysburg recorded 57 property crimes, amounting to 633 per 100,000 residents, 64.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Gettysburg enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 777, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Gettysburg as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
During the most recently reported crime year, Gettysburg experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
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, Gettysburg has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 633 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Gettysburg remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Gettysburg stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Gettysburg residents. Out of the respondents (21 in total), 76% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Gettysburg were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 24% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Gettysburg 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, Gettysburg has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 63%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.19 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Gettysburg as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Gettysburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Gettysburg has decreased by 41.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 56.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 36%. 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.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Gettysburg, 79.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Gettysburg, the cost of living is 4.59% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Gettysburg, there are 2.23 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Gettysburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Heritage, PA | 2,858 | 41 | 238 | 279 |
| Bonneauville, PA | 1,849 | 56 | 278 | 334 |
| Lake Meade, PA | 2,570 | 50 | 292 | 342 |
| Abbottstown, PA | 905 | 191 | 191 | 382 |
| Biglerville, PA | 1,309 | 0 | 400 | 400 |
| Pen Mar, PA | 1,231 | 72 | 421 | 494 |
| East Berlin, PA | 1,623 | 79 | 458 | 537 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 7,901 | 144 | 633 | 777 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Scott, KS | 7,902 | 291 | 1,690 | 1,981 |
| Briarcliff Manor, NY | 7,902 | 133 | 604 | 737 |
| Wickenburg, AZ | 7,900 | 108 | 863 | 971 |
| Scotia, NY | 7,898 | 413 | 1,872 | 2,285 |
| South Weber, UT | 7,907 | 104 | 638 | 742 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 7,901 | 144 | 633 | 777 |
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