| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Meriden/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,591 | n/a (estimate) | 2,637 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.7 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 38 | n/a | 63.0 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 36 | n/a | 59.7 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 101 | n/a | 167.4 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 176 | n/a (estimate) | 292 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 118 | n/a | 195.6 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,042 | n/a | 1,727.1 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 255 | n/a | 422.7 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,415 | n/a (estimate) | 2,345 | 1,494 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Meriden is 13.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Meriden, there were 176 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 292 per 100,000 individuals, 21.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1415 property crimes, amounting to 2345 per 100,000 residents, 20% higher than the U.S. average.
In terms of the total Meriden crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Meriden, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Meriden faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 255 vehicle thefts, translating to 423 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Meriden in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 237.
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 13% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.36 crimes per day - 0.48 violent crimes and 3.88 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Meriden has increased by 6.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Meriden, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 18.9%, while property crime has increased by 10.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Meriden is a safe place to live.
Meriden has a poverty rate of 10.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Meriden has a population density of 2507.6 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 Meriden crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Meriden, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.13, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| 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 |
| Portland, CT | 5,937 | 42 | 421 | 463 |
| Higganum, CT | 1,763 | 52 | 513 | 565 |
| Durham, CT | 3,542 | 53 | 524 | 577 |
| Plantsville, CT | 1,923 | 61 | 609 | 670 |
| Thomaston, CT | 1,730 | 13 | 752 | 765 |
| Lake Pocotopaug, CT | 4,849 | 74 | 733 | 807 |
| Cheshire Village, CT | 6,491 | 106 | 1,057 | 1,163 |
| Meriden, CT | 59,512 | 292 | 2,345 | 2,637 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Vineland, NJ | 59,405 | 458 | 2,563 | 3,021 |
| Gardena, CA | 59,401 | 642 | 3,152 | 3,794 |
| Lancaster, PA | 59,321 | 444 | 2,350 | 2,794 |
| Pontiac, MI | 59,714 | 1,023 | 1,770 | 2,793 |
| Woodland, CA | 59,759 | 356 | 2,199 | 2,555 |
| Meriden, CT | 59,512 | 292 | 2,345 | 2,637 |
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