| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lee/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 1,690 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 52.3 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 139.4 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 192 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 226.5 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 70 | n/a | 1,219.5 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 52.3 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 1,498 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
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 Lee is 27.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 11 violent crimes reported in Lee, equivalent to 192 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 48.2%. Additionally, Lee recorded 86 property crimes, amounting to 1498 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 23.3%.
Lee showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Lee. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 86% of people felt that there was very little crime in Lee and felt safe walking alone at night. While 14% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Lee 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, Lee has an overall crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.27 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lee as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lee. 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 Lee has increased by 19.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 57.1%, while property crime has increased by 16.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lee.
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. Lee, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Lee crime rates. The population density in Lee is 1138.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Lee, the average rental rates are $843 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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 | Lee | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Chester, MA | 935 | 0 | 164 | 164 |
| Great Barrington, MA | 2,213 | 238 | 574 | 812 |
| Lenox, MA | 1,984 | 98 | 1,626 | 1,724 |
| Housatonic, MA | 682 | 442 | 1,470 | 1,912 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 42,514 | 749 | 1,593 | 2,343 |
| Copake Falls, NY | 181 | 512 | 2,053 | 2,565 |
| East Nassau, NY | 457 | 558 | 2,241 | 2,800 |
| Lee, MA | 1,508 | 192 | 1,498 | 1,690 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sebastian, TX | 1,508 | 243 | 1,291 | 1,534 |
| Ballard, UT | 1,508 | 296 | 2,319 | 2,616 |
| Paradis, LA | 1,508 | 239 | 1,044 | 1,283 |
| Cascade Locks, OR | 1,509 | 156 | 1,341 | 1,498 |
| Glenville, WV | 1,507 | 123 | 543 | 666 |
| Lee, MA | 1,508 | 192 | 1,498 | 1,690 |
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