| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Haven/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 984 | n/a (estimate) | 1,796 | 1,709 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.8 | 3.7 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 14.6 | 20.1 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 42.0 | 43.4 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 32.9 | 83.0 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 91 | 150 | 364 |
| Burglary | 57 | n/a | 104.0 | 127.8 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 571 | n/a | 1,042.1 | 1,138.7 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 306 | n/a | 558.5 | 292.0 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 934 | n/a (estimate) | 1,705 | 1,558 | 1,917 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in West Haven is 5.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 67 violent crimes reported in West Haven, equivalent to 122 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 67.1%. Additionally, West Haven recorded 1142 property crimes, amounting to 2071 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 6%.
In terms of the total West Haven crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in West Haven, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, West Haven 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.
West Haven has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2071 property crimes in West Haven, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What do the local residents think about crime in West Haven? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of West Haven residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West Haven a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the West Haven crime rate is 6% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.31 crimes per day - 0.18 violent crimes and 3.13 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in West Haven. 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 West Haven has decreased by 12.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 40.2%, while property crime has decreased by 9.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Haven.
In West Haven, the poverty rate currently stands at 11.1%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in West Haven crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. West Haven, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
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 West Haven, the average monthly rent stands at $1,164, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | West Haven | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Woodmont, CT | 1,601 | 29 | 304 | 333 |
| Durham, CT | 3,542 | 43 | 442 | 484 |
| Shelton, CT | 41,162 | 52 | 603 | 655 |
| Heritage Village, CT | 4,465 | 102 | 1,056 | 1,157 |
| Branford Center, CT | 5,845 | 121 | 1,258 | 1,379 |
| Naugatuck, CT | 31,201 | 94 | 1,302 | 1,397 |
| Ansonia, CT | 18,709 | 48 | 1,674 | 1,721 |
| West Haven, CT | 54,666 | 91 | 1,705 | 1,796 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Normal, IL | 54,699 | 295 | 1,636 | 1,931 |
| Port Arthur, TX | 54,705 | 782 | 1,770 | 2,552 |
| Brookhaven, GA | 54,727 | 361 | 2,506 | 2,866 |
| Burlington, NC | 54,534 | 828 | 3,704 | 4,532 |
| Lenexa, KS | 54,804 | 206 | 1,460 | 1,667 |
| West Haven, CT | 54,666 | 91 | 1,705 | 1,796 |
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