| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Seaford/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 615 | n/a (estimate) | 7,213 | 2,348 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.7 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 23.5 | 22.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 117.3 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 809.3 | 299.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 82 | n/a (estimate) | 962 | 384 | 370 |
| Burglary | 53 | n/a | 621.6 | 203.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 456 | n/a | 5,348.4 | 1,591.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 24 | n/a | 281.5 | 169.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 533 | n/a (estimate) | 6,251 | 1,964 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Seaford is 210.4% higher 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 Seaford, there were 82 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 962 per 100,000 individuals, 160.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 533 property crimes, amounting to 6251 per 100,000 residents, 219.9% higher than the U.S. average.
In Seaford, the crime rate stands at 7213 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 210.35%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Seaford that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Seaford has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 962 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Seaford falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 104 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Seaford stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Seaford, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 12 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.
With a property crime rate of 6251 crimes per 100,000 people, Seaford unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Seaford is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Seaford residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Seaford 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, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Seaford a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Seaford has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 210%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.68 daily incidents, encompassing 0.22 violent crimes and 1.46 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Seaford as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Seaford has increased by 23.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Seaford, 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 increased by 1.2%, while property crime has increased by 28.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Seaford is a safe place to live.
In Seaford, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.8%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Seaford crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Seaford, the cost of living is 2.26% lower than the national average.
In Seaford, the average rental rates are $868 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Seaford | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 37 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.2 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hurlock, MD | 2,390 | 234 | 961 | 1,195 |
| Greenwood, DE | 1,127 | 0 | 1,224 | 1,224 |
| Federalsburg, MD | 2,668 | 240 | 986 | 1,226 |
| Ellendale, DE | 751 | 0 | 1,321 | 1,321 |
| Delmar, MD | 3,321 | 269 | 1,103 | 1,372 |
| Bridgeville, DE | 3,508 | 507 | 1,702 | 2,209 |
| Bethel, DE | 404 | 377 | 1,930 | 2,307 |
| Seaford, DE | 7,897 | 962 | 6,251 | 7,213 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Flowery Branch, GA | 7,896 | 92 | 1,144 | 1,236 |
| Sheboygan Falls, WI | 7,898 | 61 | 455 | 516 |
| McGregor, FL | 7,899 | 101 | 610 | 711 |
| Jersey Village, TX | 7,900 | 370 | 4,066 | 4,436 |
| Bridge City, TX | 7,902 | 74 | 716 | 790 |
| Seaford, DE | 7,897 | 962 | 6,251 | 7,213 |
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