| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | New Bedford/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,217 | n/a (estimate) | 2,186 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 3.9 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 49 | n/a | 48.3 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 111 | n/a | 109.5 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 471 | n/a | 464.5 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 635 | n/a (estimate) | 626 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 198 | n/a | 195.3 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,197 | n/a | 1,180.4 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 187 | n/a | 184.4 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,582 | n/a (estimate) | 1,560 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the New Bedford crime rate is 5.9% 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 New Bedford, there were 635 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 626 per 100,000 individuals, 69.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, New Bedford recorded 1582 property crimes, amounting to 1560 per 100,000 residents, 20.2% lower than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the New Bedford crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported New Bedford crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of New Bedford residents. Out of the respondents (34 in total), 26% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in New Bedford were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 74% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if New Bedford is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. New Bedford has a total crime rate that is 6% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 6.07 daily crimes (1.74 violent daily crimes and 4.33 daily property crimes) in New Bedford.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in New Bedford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in New Bedford has decreased by 2.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 3.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 4.6%. 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.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In New Bedford, 67.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In New Bedford, there are 3.08 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in New Bedford are $869, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | New Bedford | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 296 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Marion Center, MA | 1,061 | 45 | 150 | 195 |
| Woods Hole, MA | 933 | 45 | 150 | 195 |
| Mattapoisett Center, MA | 3,193 | 107 | 356 | 463 |
| North Lakeville, MA | 3,226 | 129 | 428 | 556 |
| Onset, MA | 1,049 | 136 | 451 | 587 |
| Weweantic, MA | 1,287 | 145 | 482 | 627 |
| Pocasset, MA | 2,596 | 156 | 518 | 674 |
| New Bedford, MA | 95,355 | 626 | 1,560 | 2,186 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hesperia, CA | 95,163 | 599 | 1,408 | 2,007 |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 95,638 | 91 | 1,117 | 1,208 |
| Brockton, MA | 95,740 | 647 | 1,730 | 2,376 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 94,961 | 875 | 4,881 | 5,757 |
| Compton, CA | 95,804 | 1,141 | 2,673 | 3,813 |
| New Bedford, MA | 95,355 | 626 | 1,560 | 2,186 |
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