| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | New Haven/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,980 | n/a (estimate) | 3,656 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 11.0 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 48 | n/a | 35.2 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 243 | n/a | 178.4 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 450 | n/a | 330.4 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 756 | n/a (estimate) | 555 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 395 | n/a | 290.0 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,049 | n/a | 2,238.5 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 780 | n/a | 572.7 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,224 | n/a (estimate) | 3,101 | 1,494 | 1,954 |
The New Haven crime rates are 57.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 756 violent crimes in New Haven (555 per 100,000 people), which is 50.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4224 property crimes (3101 per 100,000 residents) which is 58.7% higher than average.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, New Haven ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In New Haven, there were a total of 15 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and New Haven faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 780 vehicle thefts, translating to 573 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places New Haven 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 175.
AreaVibes surveyed 119 local residents in New Haven to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 27% of people answered that there was very little crime in New Haven and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 73% 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.
To determine if New Haven 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 Haven has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 13.64 daily crimes (2.07 violent daily crimes and 11.57 daily property crimes) in New Haven.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in New Haven. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in New Haven has decreased by 1.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7%, while property crime has decreased by 1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in New Haven.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. New Haven, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 20 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in New Haven are areas such as East Rock, Westville and Wooster Square, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Quinnipiac, Dwight and Newhallville are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
In New Haven, 79.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Haven, the cost of living is 12.26% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In New Haven, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.55 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.
| Item | New Haven | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 461 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Guilford Center, CT | 2,653 | 39 | 390 | 429 |
| Woodmont, CT | 1,601 | 41 | 408 | 448 |
| Durham, CT | 3,542 | 53 | 524 | 577 |
| Shelton, CT | 41,162 | 50 | 917 | 967 |
| Cheshire Village, CT | 6,491 | 106 | 1,057 | 1,163 |
| Naugatuck, CT | 31,201 | 80 | 1,199 | 1,279 |
| Branford Center, CT | 5,845 | 121 | 1,202 | 1,323 |
| New Haven, CT | 130,381 | 555 | 3,101 | 3,656 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stamford, CT | 130,057 | 193 | 1,169 | 1,362 |
| Kent, WA | 130,038 | 459 | 5,528 | 5,987 |
| Concord, CA | 129,227 | 644 | 2,800 | 3,444 |
| Round Rock, TX | 128,812 | 169 | 2,304 | 2,473 |
| Elizabeth, NJ | 128,484 | 480 | 2,552 | 3,032 |
| New Haven, CT | 130,381 | 555 | 3,101 | 3,656 |
Here are the best places to live in Connecticut
10 best cities to buy a new house in Connecticut
10 Best cities in Connecticut for employment
See the best places to live in & around New Haven