| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,088 | n/a (estimate) | 4,528 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 40 | n/a | 166.5 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 37.5 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 95 | n/a | 395.4 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 144 | n/a (estimate) | 599 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 93 | n/a | 387.0 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 822 | n/a | 3,420.9 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 120.7 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 944 | n/a (estimate) | 3,929 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Watertown is 113.7% 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 Watertown, there were 144 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 599 per 100,000 individuals, 66.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 944 property crimes, amounting to 3929 per 100,000 residents, 123.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 4528 per 100,000 residents, Watertown experiences a crime rate that is 113.66% 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, Watertown 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.
In the latest reported crime year, Watertown recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Every year, one in 26 people fall victim to a property crime in Watertown - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3929 per 100,000 people, Watertown 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Watertown residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 31 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Watertown 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, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Watertown 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, Watertown has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 114%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.98 daily incidents, encompassing 0.39 violent crimes and 2.59 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Watertown 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown has increased by 8.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 32.1%, while property crime has increased by 6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watertown.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Watertown crime rates. The population density in Watertown is 2887.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Watertown has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.54 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In Watertown, the average rental rates are $1,250 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.
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 | Watertown | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 70 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Black River, NY | 1,469 | 0 | 81 | 81 |
| Sackets Harbor, NY | 1,585 | 129 | 582 | 711 |
| West Carthage, NY | 1,551 | 180 | 816 | 996 |
| Adams, NY | 1,894 | 182 | 822 | 1,004 |
| Adams Center, NY | 1,035 | 182 | 825 | 1,007 |
| Philadelphia, NY | 1,231 | 189 | 857 | 1,047 |
| Calcium, NY | 3,660 | 256 | 1,157 | 1,412 |
| Watertown, NY | 26,084 | 599 | 3,929 | 4,528 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Suitland, MD | 26,078 | 520 | 2,537 | 3,057 |
| Salem, VA | 26,071 | 262 | 1,883 | 2,145 |
| Mount Pleasant, MI | 26,060 | 428 | 1,025 | 1,453 |
| Reading, MA | 26,111 | 39 | 533 | 572 |
| Zanesville, OH | 26,125 | 333 | 2,840 | 3,174 |
| Watertown, NY | 26,084 | 599 | 3,929 | 4,528 |
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