Essex, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Essex, MA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Essex crime rate is lower than the national average by 78.9%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Essex, equivalent to 109 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 70.6%. Furthermore, Essex recorded 14 property crimes, amounting to 381 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 80.5%.

Essex has a crime rate of 489, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Essex being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Essex shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 109 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Essex an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Essex 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.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Essex has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 381 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Essex remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

Is Essex a Safe Place to Live?

Is Essex 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, Essex has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 79%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Essex as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Essex Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Essex. 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 Essex has increased by 63.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 55.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Essex.

Potential Causes for Crime in Essex

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. Essex, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Essex has a population density of 824.3 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 Essex crime rates.

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 Essex, the average monthly rent stands at $483, while the national average is $949 per month.

Essex crime map