| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gloucester/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 254 | n/a (estimate) | 830 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 35.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 3.3 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 73 | n/a | 238.6 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 278 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 98.0 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 127 | n/a | 415.0 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 39.2 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 169 | n/a (estimate) | 552 | 1,112 | 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 Gloucester is 60.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 85 violent crimes reported in Gloucester, equivalent to 278 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 22.6%. Additionally, Gloucester recorded 169 property crimes, amounting to 552 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 68.6%.
In the latest reported crime year, Gloucester recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Gloucester maintains a property crime rate of 552 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Gloucester as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Gloucester residents. Out of the respondents (16 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Gloucester were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Gloucester, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Gloucester presents a total crime rate that is 61% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Gloucester experiences an average of 0.7 daily crimes, comprising 0.23 violent incidents and 0.46 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Gloucester has increased by 9.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gloucester is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 70%, while property crime has increased by 7.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gloucester.
In Gloucester, 86.3% 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.
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 Gloucester, the cost of living is 44% 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 Gloucester, there are 2.19 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.
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| Item | Gloucester | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 64 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rockport, MA | 5,358 | 42 | 126 | 169 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Rowley, MA | 1,844 | 58 | 204 | 262 |
| Ipswich, MA | 4,988 | 134 | 274 | 408 |
| Newburyport, MA | 18,788 | 47 | 395 | 442 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,632 | 268 | 268 | 537 |
| Beverly, MA | 43,236 | 167 | 411 | 579 |
| Gloucester, MA | 31,315 | 278 | 552 | 830 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lawrenceville, GA | 31,316 | 324 | 2,173 | 2,497 |
| Eldersburg, MD | 31,301 | 294 | 1,435 | 1,729 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 31,333 | 137 | 698 | 835 |
| Opelika, AL | 31,335 | 560 | 2,624 | 3,185 |
| Syracuse, UT | 31,254 | 52 | 501 | 553 |
| Gloucester, MA | 31,315 | 278 | 552 | 830 |
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