| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lawrence/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,289 | n/a (estimate) | 1,439 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 7.8 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 28 | n/a | 31.3 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 47 | n/a | 52.5 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 312 | n/a | 348.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 394 | n/a (estimate) | 440 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 65 | n/a | 72.5 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 763 | n/a | 851.6 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 67 | n/a | 74.8 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 895 | n/a (estimate) | 999 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lawrence crime rate is 32.1% 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 Lawrence, there were 394 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 440 per 100,000 individuals, 22.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Lawrence recorded 895 property crimes, amounting to 999 per 100,000 residents, 43.3% lower than the U.S. average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lawrence residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 59 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 14% of Lawrence residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 86% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Lawrence is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lawrence has an overall crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.53 daily occurrences, comprising 1.08 violent crimes and 2.45 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lawrence as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lawrence has increased by 6.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lawrence 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 9.4%, while property crime has increased by 5.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lawrence.
Lawrence has a population density of 11837.5 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 Lawrence crime rates.
The median home price in Lawrence is $503,531, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
In Lawrence, the average rental rates are $1,760 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Lawrence | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Boxford, MA | 3,040 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Rowley, MA | 1,844 | 58 | 204 | 262 |
| Newburyport, MA | 18,788 | 47 | 395 | 442 |
| Londonderry, NH | 12,432 | 41 | 445 | 486 |
| Reading, MA | 26,111 | 39 | 533 | 572 |
| Wakefield, MA | 28,061 | 175 | 409 | 584 |
| Lawrence, MA | 82,025 | 440 | 999 | 1,439 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lakewood, CA | 81,936 | 453 | 2,585 | 3,038 |
| Mountain View, CA | 82,261 | 307 | 2,773 | 3,080 |
| Folsom, CA | 82,389 | 183 | 1,452 | 1,635 |
| Flower Mound, TX | 81,609 | 57 | 583 | 640 |
| Springdale, AR | 82,462 | 491 | 1,921 | 2,412 |
| Lawrence, MA | 82,025 | 440 | 999 | 1,439 |
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