| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rochester/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 7,979 | n/a (estimate) | 3,872 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 27 | n/a | 13.1 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 38 | n/a | 18.4 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 316 | n/a | 153.3 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 819 | n/a | 397.4 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,200 | n/a (estimate) | 582 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 834 | n/a | 404.7 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,701 | n/a | 1,795.8 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,244 | n/a | 1,088.8 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 6,779 | n/a (estimate) | 3,289 | 1,720 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Rochester crime rate is 82.7% higher 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 Rochester, there were 1200 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 582 per 100,000 individuals, 62.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Rochester recorded 6779 property crimes, amounting to 3289 per 100,000 residents, 86.9% higher than the U.S. average.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Rochester stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Rochester, a total of 27 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Rochester ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 2244 vehicle thefts, amounting to 1089 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Rochester within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 92.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Rochester residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 312 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 15% of Rochester 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, 85% 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 Rochester 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. Rochester has a total crime rate that is 83% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 21.86 daily crimes (3.29 violent daily crimes and 18.57 daily property crimes) in Rochester.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Rochester has decreased by 6.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Rochester, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 28.6%, while property crime has decreased by 1.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Rochester is a safe place to live.
The Rochester area comprises a diverse array of over 33 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Strong, Corn Hill and Browncroft which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Mayor's Heights, Best and Charles House exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Rochester neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Rochester crime rates. For instance, in Rochester, the population density stands at 5916.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Rochester, the cost of living is 10.46% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Rochester, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.15 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 | Rochester | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 879 | 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 |
| Pittsford, NY | 1,694 | 87 | 395 | 482 |
| Victor, NY | 2,781 | 164 | 743 | 908 |
| Honeoye Falls, NY | 2,865 | 166 | 751 | 917 |
| Churchville, NY | 2,203 | 181 | 821 | 1,002 |
| Scottsville, NY | 2,159 | 191 | 863 | 1,053 |
| Caledonia, NY | 2,177 | 197 | 892 | 1,089 |
| Spencerport, NY | 3,768 | 229 | 1,038 | 1,267 |
| Rochester, NY | 211,665 | 582 | 3,289 | 3,872 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oxnard, CA | 214,920 | 596 | 1,877 | 2,474 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 207,784 | 864 | 5,200 | 6,064 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 215,564 | 660 | 3,095 | 3,755 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | 215,612 | 272 | 1,666 | 1,938 |
| Huntsville, AL | 207,126 | 483 | 2,388 | 2,871 |
| Rochester, NY | 211,665 | 582 | 3,289 | 3,872 |