| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pittsfield/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 750 | n/a (estimate) | 1,751 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 4.7 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 42 | n/a | 98.1 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 12 | n/a | 28.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 163 | n/a | 380.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 219 | n/a (estimate) | 511 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 165 | n/a | 385.2 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 324 | n/a | 756.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 42 | n/a | 98.1 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 531 | n/a (estimate) | 1,240 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Pittsfield is 17.4% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Pittsfield, there were 219 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 511 per 100,000 individuals, 42.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 531 property crimes, amounting to 1240 per 100,000 residents, 29.6% lower than the U.S. average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Pittsfield residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 52 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 17% of Pittsfield residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 83% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Pittsfield 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, Pittsfield has an overall crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.05 daily occurrences, comprising 0.6 violent crimes and 1.45 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Pittsfield as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Pittsfield has decreased by 19.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Pittsfield is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 20.7%, while property crime has decreased by 19.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Pittsfield.
Pittsfield reports an unemployment rate of 5.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Pittsfield crime rates.
In Pittsfield, the cost of living is 2.25% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Pittsfield stands at $314,212, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Pittsfield | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 108 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Chester, MA | 970 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cheshire, MA | 705 | 31 | 378 | 409 |
| Averill Park, NY | 1,508 | 125 | 566 | 691 |
| Lee, MA | 1,566 | 229 | 953 | 1,182 |
| Housatonic, MA | 703 | 331 | 1,167 | 1,497 |
| Adams, MA | 5,858 | 277 | 1,233 | 1,510 |
| Lenox, MA | 2,054 | 79 | 1,583 | 1,662 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 44,143 | 511 | 1,240 | 1,751 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rohnert Park, CA | 44,183 | 258 | 1,263 | 1,521 |
| DeKalb, IL | 44,075 | 393 | 2,514 | 2,907 |
| Goose Creek, SC | 44,214 | 256 | 1,465 | 1,722 |
| Altadena, CA | 44,242 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| North Miami Beach, FL | 44,034 | 583 | 2,913 | 3,495 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 44,143 | 511 | 1,240 | 1,751 |
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