A+
67%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
55%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
69%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleLewes/100k peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime26n/a (estimate)7022,1072,119
Murder0n/a0.05.75.0
Rape0n/a0.015.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.047.060.6
Assault6n/a162.0292.4256.1
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)162361359
Burglary2n/a54.0175.1229.2
Theft15n/a405.01,361.91,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a81.0208.8258.8
Property crime20n/a (estimate)5401,7461,760

Lewes crime map

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The Lewes crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Lewes as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Lewes crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Lewes crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Lewes, DE

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lewes crime rate is 66.9% 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 Lewes, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 162 per 100,000 individuals, 54.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lewes recorded 20 property crimes, amounting to 540 per 100,000 residents, 69.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Lewes proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 702, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Lewes as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

In the latest reported crime year, Lewes 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 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Lewes has a property crime rate of 540 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Lewes is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lewes?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Lewes residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 83% of Lewes 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, 17% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Lewes a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Lewes 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, Lewes has an overall crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.07 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lewes as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Lewes Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lewes. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lewes has decreased by 46.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 40%, while property crimes have decreased by 48.7%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lewes

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Lewes crime rates. In Lewes, the poverty rate stands at 5.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Lewes, 91.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lewes, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.9 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Lewes crime rates are 67% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Lewes are 55% lower than the national average
      • In Lewes you have a 1 in 143 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Lewes is safer than 63% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Lewes has decreased by 47%

      Lewes, DE Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Lewes (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Lewes (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Lewes

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lewes is 1 in 618
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Lewes is 1 in 186
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Lewes is 1 in 143

        Year Over Year Crime In Lewes (per 100,000 people)

        Lewes police department

        Item Lewes Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)11962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.95.43.3
        There are a total of 11 Lewes police officers. This results in 3.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 27.3% less than the Delaware average and 20% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Delaware

        State Total offenders Delaware /100K National /100K
        Delaware4,039505266
        There are a total of 4,039 sex offenders in Delaware. This yields a total of 505 sex offenders in Delaware per 100,000 residents which is 90% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        West Cape May, NJ1,04341271313
        Cape May Point, NJ17088577665
        Erma, NJ2,11393606699
        Henlopen Acres, DE191146705851
        Slaughter Beach, DE309146705851
        North Cape May, NJ3,886124810934
        Long Neck, DE2,9531848921,076
        Lewes, DE3,362162540702

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wanakah, NY3,3622199931,212
        North Brooksville, FL3,362132702834
        West DeLand, FL3,361134713847
        West Point, VA3,364140727867
        Village Shires, PA3,36047273320
        Lewes, DE3,362162540702
        Source: The Lewes, DE crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.