| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilmington/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 277 | n/a (estimate) | 1,177 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 17.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 35 | n/a | 148.7 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 166 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 93.5 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 203 | n/a | 862.5 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 55.2 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 238 | n/a (estimate) | 1,011 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
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 Wilmington is 44.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 39 violent crimes reported in Wilmington, equivalent to 166 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 53.9%. Additionally, Wilmington recorded 238 property crimes, amounting to 1011 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 42.6%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wilmington 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Wilmington. Based on the results of the surveys (12 responses), 42% of people felt that there was very little crime in Wilmington and felt safe walking alone at night. While 58% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Wilmington 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, Wilmington has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 44%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.76 daily incidents, encompassing 0.11 violent crimes and 0.65 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Wilmington 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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington has increased by 60.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 85.7%, while property crime has increased by 56.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wilmington.
Wilmington has a poverty rate that stands at 2.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Wilmington crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Wilmington has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.72 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.
Wilmington has an average rental rate of $2,983 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Wilmington | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 62 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boxford, MA | 3,040 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| West Concord, MA | 7,498 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Arlington, MA | 46,742 | 55 | 434 | 490 |
| Melrose, MA | 29,146 | 101 | 430 | 530 |
| Wilmington, MA | 24,176 | 166 | 1,011 | 1,177 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Barstow, CA | 24,173 | 1,108 | 2,639 | 3,747 |
| West Melbourne, FL | 24,188 | 153 | 1,198 | 1,351 |
| Benbrook, TX | 24,155 | 119 | 1,972 | 2,091 |
| Kerrville, TX | 24,145 | 147 | 581 | 728 |
| Loves Park, IL | 24,142 | 356 | 1,381 | 1,737 |
| Wilmington, MA | 24,176 | 166 | 1,011 | 1,177 |
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