Safest cities in New Hampshire

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Known as the 'Granite State,' New Hampshire is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the northeastern United States, New Hampshire offers a diverse geography that includes the White Mountains, scenic lakes, and a short but beautiful Atlantic coastline. The state's economy is supported by industries such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Concord, the state capital, and Manchester, the largest city, are cultural and economic hubs with thriving arts scenes, historic sites, and numerous outdoor activities. New Hampshire is known for its traditional New England charm, with quaint villages, covered bridges, and autumn foliage attracting visitors year-round.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in New Hampshire highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of New Hampshire's cities include strong law enforcement, community policing, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions New Hampshire has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

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Durham Population: 12,016 265 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 41 Property Crime / 100k: 224 chance of being a victim: 1 in 377

Durham proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in New Hampshire. With only 265 crimes per 100,000 people, Durham has a crime rate that is 85% lower than the New Hampshire average. This equates to an average of 0.11 crimes per day and a 1 in 377 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Newmarket Population: 5,737 432 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 53 Property Crime / 100k: 379 chance of being a victim: 1 in 231

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Newmarket comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in New Hampshire with a crime rate of 432 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 0 counts of burglary, 358 counts of theft, 21 counts of vehicle theft, 21 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 32 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Newmarket, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Hanover Population: 8,744 451 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 451 chance of being a victim: 1 in 222

With a population of 8,744 and a total crime rate of 451 per 100,000 residents, Hanover is the 3rd safest city in New Hampshire. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 88% lower than the New Hampshire average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Milford Population: 8,644 484 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 36 Property Crime / 100k: 448 chance of being a victim: 1 in 206

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Milford is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 484, 83% lower than the New Hampshire average. This amounts to 0.22 crimes per day and a 1 in 206 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Milford a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Londonderry Population: 12,053 486 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 41 Property Crime / 100k: 445 chance of being a victim: 1 in 206

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Londonderry consistently ranks high in safety. In Londonderry, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 486, which is 73% lower than the state average.

Exeter Population: 9,349 580 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 37 Property Crime / 100k: 543 chance of being a victim: 1 in 172

Exeter has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in New Hampshire. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 580 crimes per 100,000 people, 84% lower than the New Hampshire average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 25 reports of burglary, 463 reports of theft, 56 reports of vehicle theft, 6 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 31 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Hooksett Population: 5,517 641 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 71 Property Crime / 100k: 569 chance of being a victim: 1 in 156

Hooksett ranks as the seventh safest city in New Hampshire and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 156 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.27 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Hooksett’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in New Hampshire.

Derry Population: 22,891 827 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 108 Property Crime / 100k: 719 chance of being a victim: 1 in 121

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Derry is the 8th safest city in New Hampshire. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 66% lower than the New Hampshire average, reporting a total of 827 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Dover Population: 31,922 834 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 47 Property Crime / 100k: 786 chance of being a victim: 1 in 120

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Dover is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in New Hampshire, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 834 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 66% lower than the state average.

Hampton Population: 10,002 844 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 103 Property Crime / 100k: 740 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in New Hampshire, is Hampton. With a low rate of crime that included 49 burglaries, 607 thefts, 85 vehicle thefts, 49 assaults, 6 robberies, 49 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 84% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in New Hampshire

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Durham	12,016	41	224	265
2	Newmarket	5,737	53	379	432
3	Hanover	8,744	0	451	451
4	Milford	8,644	36	448	484
5	Londonderry	12,053	41	445	486
6	Exeter	9,349	37	543	580
7	Hooksett	5,517	71	569	641
8	Derry	22,891	108	719	827
9	Dover	31,922	47	786	834
10	Hampton	10,002	103	740	844
11	Newport	5,530	372	636	1,008
12	Rochester	31,305	77	1,144	1,221
13	Hudson	7,230	74	1,184	1,258
14	Franklin	8,695	91	1,261	1,352
15	Concord	43,503	181	1,229	1,410
16	Nashua	89,052	161	1,261	1,422
17	Portsmouth	21,418	187	1,284	1,472
18	Lebanon	13,718	95	1,604	1,700
19	Berlin	10,025	127	1,752	1,878
20	Manchester	112,441	336	1,648	1,984
21	Claremont	12,969	190	1,869	2,058
22	Keene	22,823	179	2,173	2,352
23	Laconia	16,584	145	2,532	2,678
24	Somersworth	12,027	179	2,526	2,706

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in New Hampshire is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included New Hampshire cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.