| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | New Castle/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 809 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 23.1 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 5.8 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 5.8 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 40.4 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 75 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 86.7 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 95 | n/a | 548.9 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 98.2 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 127 | n/a (estimate) | 734 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
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 New Castle is 61.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes reported in New Castle, equivalent to 75 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 79.1%. Additionally, New Castle recorded 127 property crimes, amounting to 734 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 58.3%.
With only 75 incidents per 100,000 people, New Castle boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, New Castle has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. New Castle stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In New Castle, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
AreaVibes surveyed 13 local residents in New Castle to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in New Castle and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 62% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is New Castle 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 New Castle crime rate is 62% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.38 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.35 property crimes.
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 New Castle, 75.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In New Castle, the cost of living is 18.7% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In New Castle, the average monthly rent stands at $1,023, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | New Castle | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Indiana /100K | National /100K |
| Indiana | 12,315 | 198 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hagerstown, IN | 2,047 | 124 | 546 | 670 |
| Daleville, IN | 1,607 | 128 | 564 | 692 |
| Cambridge City, IN | 1,714 | 137 | 602 | 738 |
| Knightstown, IN | 2,307 | 140 | 615 | 754 |
| Shirley, IN | 1,091 | 143 | 630 | 773 |
| Middletown, IN | 2,534 | 155 | 683 | 838 |
| Chesterfield, IN | 2,662 | 157 | 694 | 851 |
| New Castle, IN | 17,779 | 75 | 734 | 809 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ocean Acres, NJ | 17,774 | 235 | 1,539 | 1,774 |
| Nederland, TX | 17,748 | 229 | 1,213 | 1,442 |
| Pampa, TX | 17,743 | 553 | 1,897 | 2,451 |
| Hinsdale, IL | 17,817 | 46 | 492 | 538 |
| Oswego, NY | 17,822 | 558 | 2,526 | 3,084 |
| New Castle, IN | 17,779 | 75 | 734 | 809 |
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