| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Poughkeepsie/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 792 | n/a (estimate) | 2,459 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 15.5 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 49.7 | 29.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 36 | n/a | 111.8 | 112.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 141 | n/a | 437.9 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 198 | n/a (estimate) | 615 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | 71 | n/a | 220.5 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 473 | n/a | 1,468.8 | 1,422.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 50 | n/a | 155.3 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 594 | n/a (estimate) | 1,845 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Poughkeepsie crime rate is higher than the national average by 5.8%. Specifically, there were 198 violent crimes in Poughkeepsie, equivalent to 615 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 66.3%. Furthermore, Poughkeepsie recorded 594 property crimes, amounting to 1845 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 5.6%.
The Poughkeepsie crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Poughkeepsie, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Poughkeepsie has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 5 murders in Poughkeepsie, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.
In the most recent release, Poughkeepsie reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Poughkeepsie, there were 1845 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Poughkeepsie residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 89 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 37% of Poughkeepsie 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Poughkeepsie 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. Poughkeepsie has a total crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.17 daily crimes (0.54 violent daily crimes and 1.63 daily property crimes) in Poughkeepsie.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Poughkeepsie. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Poughkeepsie has increased by 2.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 18.5%, while property crimes have increased by 12.3%. 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.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Poughkeepsie crime rate. The poverty level in Poughkeepsie is 20.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Poughkeepsie, there are 4.09 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 Poughkeepsie, the average rental rates are $1,127 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Poughkeepsie | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 135 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Merritt Park, NY | 1,730 | 91 | 365 | 456 |
| Millbrook, NY | 1,342 | 101 | 404 | 504 |
| Clintondale, NY | 1,768 | 137 | 550 | 687 |
| Brinckerhoff, NY | 2,537 | 156 | 626 | 782 |
| Tillson, NY | 1,838 | 163 | 652 | 815 |
| Stone Ridge, NY | 2,528 | 163 | 653 | 816 |
| Hyde Park, NY | 1,988 | 164 | 659 | 823 |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | 30,341 | 615 | 1,845 | 2,459 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Tonawanda, NY | 30,338 | 158 | 1,064 | 1,222 |
| Garner, NC | 30,345 | 457 | 3,472 | 3,929 |
| Atwater, CA | 30,336 | 843 | 2,503 | 3,346 |
| Cibolo, TX | 30,333 | 132 | 1,464 | 1,595 |
| Milford Mill, MD | 30,355 | 536 | 2,201 | 2,736 |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | 30,341 | 615 | 1,845 | 2,459 |
Here are the best places to live in New York
Top 10 best public schools in Poughkeepsie
See the best places to live in & around Poughkeepsie
10 Best cities in New York for employment