| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Burlington/100k people | Vermont/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 984 | n/a (estimate) | 4,620 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 14.1 | 34.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 28.2 | 14.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 41 | n/a | 192.5 | 166.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 235 | 219 | 359 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 65.7 | 130.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 848 | n/a | 3,981.2 | 1,433.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 72 | n/a | 338.0 | 63.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 934 | n/a (estimate) | 4,385 | 1,628 | 1,760 |

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 South Burlington crime rate is higher than the national average by 118%. Specifically, there were 50 violent crimes in South Burlington, equivalent to 235 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 34.6%. Furthermore, South Burlington recorded 934 property crimes, amounting to 4385 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 149.1%.
Having a crime rate of 4620 per 100,000 residents, South Burlington experiences a crime rate that is 117.99% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, South Burlington contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
During the most recently reported crime year, South Burlington experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Every year, one in 23 people fall victim to a property crime in South Burlington - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4385 per 100,000 people, South Burlington has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in South Burlington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in South Burlington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is South Burlington 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, South Burlington has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 118%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.7 daily incidents, encompassing 0.14 violent crimes and 2.56 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Burlington as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in South Burlington. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in South Burlington has increased by 98.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 16.3%, while property crime has increased by 106.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in South Burlington.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in South Burlington crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. South Burlington has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in South Burlington is $560,274, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In South Burlington, the average monthly rent stands at $2,140, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | South Burlington | Vermont | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 44 | 632 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Vermont /100K | National /100K |
| Vermont | 1,201 | 188 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richmond, VT | 857 | 0 | 194 | 194 |
| Jericho, VT | 1,100 | 55 | 411 | 466 |
| Fairfax, VT | 1,190 | 60 | 444 | 504 |
| Milton, VT | 4,001 | 186 | 671 | 857 |
| Hinesburg, VT | 612 | 107 | 959 | 1,066 |
| Essex Junction, VT | 11,172 | 129 | 956 | 1,085 |
| Shelburne, VT | 6,171 | 63 | 1,326 | 1,389 |
| South Burlington, VT | 20,010 | 235 | 4,385 | 4,620 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Badger, AK | 20,019 | 679 | 1,605 | 2,284 |
| Bethany, OK | 20,021 | 208 | 1,533 | 1,741 |
| Makakilo, HI | 20,024 | 155 | 1,381 | 1,536 |
| Affton, MO | 19,993 | 375 | 1,577 | 1,953 |
| Matteson, IL | 19,990 | 261 | 1,546 | 1,807 |
| South Burlington, VT | 20,010 | 235 | 4,385 | 4,620 |