| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Peterborough/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 494 | 1,137 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 15.4 | 39.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 15.4 | 16.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 46.3 | 68.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 77 | 126 | 370 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 46.3 | 73.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 23 | n/a | 355.0 | 871.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 15.4 | 66.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 417 | 1,011 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Peterborough crime rate is 78.8% 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 Peterborough, there were 5 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 77 per 100,000 individuals, 79.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Peterborough recorded 27 property crimes, amounting to 417 per 100,000 residents, 78.7% lower than the U.S. average.
Peterborough proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 494, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Peterborough as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
With only 77 incidents per 100,000 people, Peterborough 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, Peterborough has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Peterborough registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Peterborough maintains a property crime rate of 417 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Peterborough as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Peterborough. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 71% of people felt that there was very little crime in Peterborough and felt safe walking alone at night. While 29% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Peterborough is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Peterborough has an overall crime rate that is 79% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.09 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.07 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Peterborough as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Peterborough. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Peterborough has decreased by 52.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 37.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 54.2%. 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.
In Peterborough, 97.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
In Peterborough, the cost of living is 16.08% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Peterborough, the average rental rates are $810 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Peterborough | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greenville, NH | 1,011 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Milford, NH | 8,644 | 43 | 349 | 392 |
| Townsend, MA | 1,276 | 124 | 337 | 461 |
| Troy, NH | 857 | 56 | 448 | 504 |
| Marlborough, NH | 1,093 | 92 | 555 | 647 |
| Jaffrey, NH | 2,750 | 309 | 455 | 764 |
| Hancock, NH | 231 | 86 | 687 | 772 |
| Peterborough, NH | 2,704 | 77 | 417 | 494 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Crossett, AR | 2,704 | 379 | 1,441 | 1,821 |
| Harlem, FL | 2,705 | 163 | 983 | 1,145 |
| Bedford, PA | 2,703 | 122 | 647 | 769 |
| Ford Heights, IL | 2,705 | 178 | 1,043 | 1,221 |
| Belmont, PA | 2,705 | 133 | 703 | 836 |
| Peterborough, NH | 2,704 | 77 | 417 | 494 |
Here are the best places to live in New Hampshire
Top 10 cities in New Hampshire with the best education system
These are the 10 most affordable cities in New Hampshire
Top 10 best public schools in Peterborough