| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Meriden/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,089 | n/a (estimate) | 1,817 | 1,502 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.7 | 2.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 20.0 | 17.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 31 | n/a | 51.7 | 38.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 33 | n/a | 55.1 | 77.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 128 | 136 | 359 |
| Burglary | 183 | n/a | 305.3 | 117.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 728 | n/a | 1,214.5 | 1,013.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 101 | n/a | 168.5 | 235.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,012 | n/a (estimate) | 1,688 | 1,366 | 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 Meriden crime rate is lower than the national average by 14.3%. Specifically, there were 77 violent crimes in Meriden, equivalent to 128 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 64.2%. Furthermore, Meriden recorded 1012 property crimes, amounting to 1688 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 4.1%.
Meriden has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1688 property crimes in Meriden, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What do the local residents think about crime in Meriden? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 57% of Meriden residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 43% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Meriden a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Meriden crime rate is 14% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.98 crimes per day - 0.21 violent crimes and 2.77 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Meriden. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Meriden has decreased by 27.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 64.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 20.7%. 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.
Meriden reports an unemployment rate of 4.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Meriden crime rates.
In Meriden, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.13 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Meriden has a median home price of $309,932, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Meriden | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 130 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Higganum, CT | 1,831 | 33 | 336 | 369 |
| Durham, CT | 3,676 | 39 | 387 | 426 |
| Portland, CT | 6,128 | 0 | 434 | 434 |
| Thomaston, CT | 1,786 | 0 | 518 | 518 |
| Plantsville, CT | 1,994 | 48 | 482 | 530 |
| Cheshire Village, CT | 6,632 | 79 | 794 | 873 |
| Lake Pocotopaug, CT | 4,977 | 82 | 821 | 902 |
| Meriden, CT | 61,712 | 128 | 1,688 | 1,817 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pontiac, MI | 61,764 | 985 | 1,642 | 2,626 |
| Sanford, FL | 61,887 | 543 | 2,253 | 2,795 |
| Woodland, CA | 61,522 | 275 | 1,419 | 1,693 |
| Lakewood, WA | 61,909 | 648 | 3,622 | 4,270 |
| Bristol, CT | 61,512 | 58 | 958 | 1,016 |
| Meriden, CT | 61,712 | 128 | 1,688 | 1,817 |
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