| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Haven/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 733 | n/a (estimate) | 1,343 | 1,502 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.7 | 2.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 14.7 | 17.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 40.3 | 38.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 45.8 | 77.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 104 | 136 | 359 |
| Burglary | 67 | n/a | 122.7 | 117.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 458 | n/a | 838.9 | 1,013.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 151 | n/a | 276.6 | 235.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 676 | n/a (estimate) | 1,238 | 1,366 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Haven is 36.7% lower 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 West Haven, there were 57 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 104 per 100,000 individuals, 70.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 676 property crimes, amounting to 1238 per 100,000 residents, 29.7% lower than the U.S. average.
West Haven has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 104 violent crimes per 100,000 people, West Haven ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in West Haven. Based on the results of the surveys (15 responses), 60% of people felt that there was very little crime in West Haven and felt safe walking alone at night. While 40% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is West Haven 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, West Haven has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 37%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.01 daily incidents, encompassing 0.16 violent crimes and 1.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of West Haven 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 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 46.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 49.1%, while property crime has decreased by 46.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Haven.
In West Haven, the cost of living is 10.83% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In West Haven, there are 2.39 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in West Haven stands at $353,960, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| 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 | 1,664 | 27 | 266 | 293 |
| Durham, CT | 3,676 | 39 | 387 | 426 |
| Shelton, CT | 42,033 | 42 | 709 | 751 |
| Heritage Village, CT | 4,620 | 92 | 925 | 1,018 |
| Naugatuck, CT | 32,241 | 50 | 1,021 | 1,071 |
| Branford Center, CT | 5,975 | 110 | 1,103 | 1,212 |
| Ansonia, CT | 19,456 | 68 | 1,407 | 1,475 |
| West Haven, CT | 56,258 | 104 | 1,238 | 1,343 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Albany, OR | 56,227 | 196 | 1,831 | 2,027 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 56,346 | 765 | 3,980 | 4,745 |
| Port Arthur, TX | 56,362 | 718 | 1,540 | 2,258 |
| Gilroy, CA | 56,371 | 461 | 2,163 | 2,625 |
| Lenexa, KS | 56,388 | 183 | 1,347 | 1,530 |
| West Haven, CT | 56,258 | 104 | 1,238 | 1,343 |
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