| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Amherst/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 112 | n/a (estimate) | 939 | 1,028 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 8.4 | 62.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 8 | 110 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 16.8 | 48.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 109 | n/a | 914.3 | 805.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 64.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 111 | n/a (estimate) | 931 | 918 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Amherst crime rate is 55.7% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Amherst, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 8 per 100,000 individuals, 97.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Amherst recorded 111 property crimes, amounting to 931 per 100,000 residents, 47.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Amherst distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 8 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Amherst among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Amherst 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.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Amherst stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Amherst residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 11 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 91% of Amherst residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 9% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
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 56% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.31 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.3 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Amherst. 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 Amherst has decreased by 2.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 80%, while property crime has decreased by 0.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Amherst.
Amherst has a poverty rate that stands at 0, 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 Amherst 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.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Amherst, the cost of living is 73.73% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Amherst, the median home price stands at $1,064,962, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Amherst | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greenville, NH | 1,041 | 50 | 199 | 249 |
| Pepperell, MA | 2,750 | 109 | 368 | 476 |
| Milford, NH | 8,980 | 36 | 448 | 484 |
| Londonderry, NH | 12,432 | 41 | 445 | 486 |
| Goffstown, NH | 2,930 | 38 | 459 | 497 |
| Wilton, NH | 1,243 | 25 | 476 | 501 |
| East Pepperell, MA | 1,981 | 112 | 397 | 509 |
| Amherst, NH | 676 | 8 | 931 | 939 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Hebron, MS | 676 | 236 | 1,530 | 1,765 |
| Paxton, FL | 676 | 341 | 1,812 | 2,153 |
| Indianola, CA | 676 | 524 | 2,239 | 2,762 |
| Delaware Water Gap, PA | 676 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Lakes, MN | 676 | 115 | 717 | 832 |
| Amherst, NH | 676 | 8 | 931 | 939 |
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