Amherst, NH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Amherst, NH

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 Amherst is 63.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Amherst, equivalent to 34 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 90.9%. Additionally, Amherst recorded 98 property crimes, amounting to 825 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 57.8%.

Amherst has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 34 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Amherst ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

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

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Amherst emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Amherst?

What do the local residents think about crime in Amherst? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 89% of Amherst residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 11% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Amherst a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Amherst a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Amherst crime rate is 63% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.28 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.27 property crimes.

Has Crime in Amherst Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Amherst. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Amherst has decreased by 11.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 20%, while property crimes have decreased by 10.9%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Amherst

Amherst has a population density of 903.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Amherst crime rates.

In Amherst, the cost of living is 44.44% 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.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Amherst are $0, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Amherst crime map