| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,165 | n/a (estimate) | 4,744 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 134.4 | 29.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 44.8 | 112.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 112 | n/a | 456.1 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 156 | n/a (estimate) | 635 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | 103 | n/a | 419.4 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 883 | n/a | 3,595.6 | 1,422.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 93.7 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,009 | n/a (estimate) | 4,109 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Watertown is 104.1% 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 156 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 635 per 100,000 individuals, 71.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1009 property crimes, amounting to 4109 per 100,000 residents, 110.2% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4744 per 100,000 residents, Watertown has a crime rate that is 104.11% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Watertown that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Watertown reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
With a property crime rate of 4109 crimes per 100,000 people, Watertown 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 Watertown is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 25, 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 do the local residents think about crime in Watertown? Well, based on a recent survey of 29 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 24% of Watertown residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 76% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Watertown, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watertown presents a total crime rate that is 104% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watertown experiences an average of 3.19 daily crimes, comprising 0.43 violent incidents and 2.76 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Watertown crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Watertown has increased by 16.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 43.1% and property crime has increased by 13.2%.
Watertown has a population density of 2792.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Watertown crime rates.
In Watertown, 81.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Watertown is $130,300, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| 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 | 1,419 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sackets Harbor, NY | 1,550 | 174 | 698 | 872 |
| Adams, NY | 1,855 | 203 | 816 | 1,020 |
| West Carthage, NY | 1,496 | 210 | 843 | 1,053 |
| Philadelphia, NY | 1,196 | 212 | 853 | 1,065 |
| Dexter, NY | 790 | 217 | 872 | 1,090 |
| Adams Center, NY | 1,000 | 223 | 896 | 1,120 |
| Watertown, NY | 25,224 | 635 | 4,109 | 4,744 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hazelwood, MO | 25,222 | 755 | 3,076 | 3,832 |
| Reading, MA | 25,236 | 16 | 588 | 604 |
| Zanesville, OH | 25,246 | 300 | 3,530 | 3,829 |
| Cave Spring, VA | 25,193 | 269 | 1,951 | 2,220 |
| Caledonia, WI | 25,182 | 36 | 457 | 493 |
| Watertown, NY | 25,224 | 635 | 4,109 | 4,744 |
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