| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Westerly/100k people | Rhode Island/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 225 | n/a (estimate) | 955 | 1,458 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 29.7 | 38.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.2 | 24.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 34.0 | 108.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 68 | 172 | 370 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 135.8 | 128.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 158 | n/a | 670.5 | 997.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 19 | n/a | 80.6 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 887 | 1,285 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Westerly is 58.9% 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 Westerly, there were 16 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 68 per 100,000 individuals, 81.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 209 property crimes, amounting to 887 per 100,000 residents, 54.6% lower than the U.S. average.
Westerly shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 68 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Westerly an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Westerly registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Westerly residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 92% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Westerly were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 8% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Westerly is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Westerly has a total crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.62 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.57 daily property crimes) in Westerly.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westerly. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westerly has increased by 22.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 14.3%, while property crimes have increased by 22.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Westerly reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Westerly crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Westerly, 85.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Westerly, the average rental rates are $1,063 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Westerly | Rhode Island | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 61 | 1,505 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Rhode Island /100K | National /100K |
| Rhode Island | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Groton Long Point, CT | 436 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Noank, CT | 1,454 | 29 | 293 | 323 |
| Hopkinton, RI | 612 | 47 | 306 | 354 |
| Hope Valley, RI | 1,888 | 58 | 434 | 492 |
| Ashaway, RI | 1,444 | 60 | 452 | 512 |
| Charlestown, RI | 1,392 | 74 | 468 | 542 |
| Mystic, CT | 4,776 | 51 | 503 | 554 |
| Westerly, RI | 17,842 | 68 | 887 | 955 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jenison, MI | 17,851 | 455 | 1,518 | 1,974 |
| Radford, VA | 17,833 | 318 | 1,090 | 1,408 |
| El Dorado, AR | 17,826 | 1,732 | 3,175 | 4,907 |
| Canby, OR | 17,860 | 122 | 1,160 | 1,282 |
| Amsterdam, NY | 17,823 | 132 | 1,401 | 1,533 |
| Westerly, RI | 17,842 | 68 | 887 | 955 |
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