Burlington, VT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Burlington, VT

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 Burlington crime rate is higher than the national average by 138.2%. Specifically, there were 183 violent crimes in Burlington, equivalent to 409 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 10.7%. Furthermore, Burlington recorded 2291 property crimes, amounting to 5127 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 162.3%.

With a crime rate of 5536 per 100,000 residents, Burlington has a crime rate that is 138.19% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Burlington that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Burlington maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 409 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Burlington shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Burlington is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 5 murders in Burlington, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Burlington being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 5127 crimes per 100,000 people, Burlington unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Burlington is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Burlington is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Burlington reported a total of 312 vehicle thefts, resulting in 698 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 144, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Burlington?

AreaVibes surveyed 43 local residents in Burlington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 40% of people answered that there was very little crime in Burlington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 60% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Burlington a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Burlington 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 Burlington crime rate is 138% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.78 crimes per day - 0.5 violent crimes and 6.28 property crimes.

Has Crime in Burlington Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Burlington has increased by 48.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Burlington is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 19.6%, while property crime has increased by 51.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Burlington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Burlington

In Burlington, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Burlington crime rates.

The median home price in Burlington is $312,200, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Burlington, the average monthly rent stands at $1,279, while the national average is $949 per month.

Burlington crime map