Belchertown, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Belchertown, MA

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 Belchertown is 71.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 19 violent crimes reported in Belchertown, equivalent to 124 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 66.4%. Additionally, Belchertown recorded 82 property crimes, amounting to 537 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 72.5%.

Boasting a crime rate of 661, well below the national average of 2324, Belchertown emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Belchertown to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.

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

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Belchertown has a property crime rate of 537 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Belchertown is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Belchertown?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Belchertown residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Belchertown were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Belchertown a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Belchertown 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. Belchertown has a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.28 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.22 daily property crimes) in Belchertown.

Has Crime in Belchertown Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Belchertown. 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 Belchertown has increased by 14.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 9.5%, while property crime has increased by 22.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Belchertown.

Potential Causes for Crime in Belchertown

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Belchertown crime rate. The poverty level in Belchertown is 7.5%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Belchertown is $261,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

In Belchertown, the average rental rates are $905 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.

Belchertown crime map