Belmont, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Belmont, 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 Belmont crime rate is lower than the national average by 68.1%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Belmont, equivalent to 56 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 84.7%. Furthermore, Belmont recorded 182 property crimes, amounting to 685 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 64.9%.

Belmont has a crime rate of 742, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Belmont 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.

Belmont has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 56 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Belmont ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Belmont showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Belmont maintains a property crime rate of 685 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Belmont as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Belmont?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Belmont residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Belmont 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 Belmont a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Belmont 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 Belmont crime rate is 68% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.54 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.5 property crimes.

Has Crime in Belmont Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Belmont has increased by 6.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Belmont, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 15.4%, while property crime has increased by 5.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Belmont is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Belmont

Belmont reports an unemployment rate of 3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Belmont crime rates.

In Belmont, the cost of living is 81.85% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Belmont, the average rental rates are $2,062 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.

Belmont crime map