| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lancaster/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,055 | n/a (estimate) | 2,531 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 12.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 36 | n/a | 86.4 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 16.8 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 121 | n/a | 290.3 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 169 | n/a (estimate) | 405 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 81 | n/a | 194.3 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 754 | n/a | 1,808.7 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 51 | n/a | 122.3 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 886 | n/a (estimate) | 2,125 | 1,551 | 1,760 |
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 Lancaster crime rate is higher than the national average by 19.4%. Specifically, there were 169 violent crimes in Lancaster, equivalent to 405 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 12.9%. Furthermore, Lancaster recorded 886 property crimes, amounting to 2125 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 20.8%.
Lancaster exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 405 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Lancaster as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Lancaster is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 5 murders in Lancaster, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Lancaster being a very dangerous place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Lancaster? Well, based on a recent survey of 29 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 48% of Lancaster residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 52% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Lancaster 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, Lancaster has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 19%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.89 daily incidents, encompassing 0.46 violent crimes and 2.43 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lancaster as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Lancaster crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Lancaster has increased by 41.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 69% and property crime has increased by 37.4%.
Lancaster has a population density of 2227.6 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 Lancaster crime rates.
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 Lancaster, there are 2.05 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lancaster stands at $235,096, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
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 | Lancaster | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 80 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Harbor Hills, OH | 1,588 | 41 | 218 | 259 |
| Lithopolis, OH | 2,071 | 59 | 309 | 368 |
| Thornville, OH | 1,564 | 60 | 318 | 378 |
| Millersport, OH | 1,271 | 85 | 449 | 534 |
| Fairfield Beach, OH | 1,180 | 85 | 450 | 536 |
| Buckeye Lake, OH | 2,953 | 107 | 564 | 670 |
| Bremen, OH | 1,507 | 116 | 611 | 726 |
| Lancaster, OH | 41,994 | 405 | 2,125 | 2,531 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wilkes-Barre, PA | 41,994 | 432 | 1,557 | 1,989 |
| Shelton, CT | 42,033 | 42 | 709 | 751 |
| Hickory, NC | 42,059 | 407 | 2,824 | 3,232 |
| Hutchinson, KS | 42,073 | 367 | 2,230 | 2,597 |
| Fitchburg, MA | 41,913 | 487 | 1,344 | 1,831 |
| Lancaster, OH | 41,994 | 405 | 2,125 | 2,531 |
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