Allentown, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Allentown, NJ

The Allentown crime rates are 87.6% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 0 violent crimes in Allentown (0 per 100,000 people), which is 100% lower than the national average and there were a total of 5 property crimes (288 per 100,000 residents) which is 85.3% lower than average.

With a crime rate of 288, significantly below the national average of 2324, Allentown stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

During the last reported year, Allentown recorded zero incidents of violent crime, a critical indicator of safety within any city. This demonstrates the exceptional safety record in Allentown in terms of violent crime, portraying it as an exceptionally safe city in this regard. Less than 10% of all cities that reported crime had no instances of violent crime.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Allentown 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.

In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In Allentown, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 288, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Allentown was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Allentown a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Allentown 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. Allentown has a total crime rate that is 88% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.01 daily property crimes) in Allentown.

Has Crime in Allentown Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Allentown. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Allentown has decreased by 37.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 28.6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Allentown

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Allentown, the cost of living is 22.07% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Allentown has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.26 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.

In Allentown, the average rental rates are $1,246 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Allentown crime map