A+
9%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
26%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2023 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2024; this is the most current data available.
Chester crime rates are not available from the FBI crime report. The FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR), gathers data from more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies. The agencies include city, university, college, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. When combined, they represent approximately 309 million American residents, or a 98% coverage rate of large metropolitan areas. This does result in approximately 20 million people who live in areas where the FBI does not provide crime reports. These areas tend to be smaller towns, villages or suburbs. Given that Chester crime stats are not covered by the FBI crime reports, either data from local enforcement agencies is applied or estimates are calculated based on demographic data including, but not limited to: home prices, income per capita, poverty rates, unemployment rates, educational achievement and population density. The Chester crime estimates should be used at your own risk. Please be aware that the data displayed above is estimated and not officially reported by any agency. The Chester crime map can also be used to view a visual display of crimes committed on a block group level.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChester/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime0n/a (estimate)2,070 (estimate)1,4152,281
Murdern/an/an/a2.15.7
Rapen/an/an/a27.338.0
Robberyn/an/an/a36.666.5
Assaultn/an/an/a248.3264.1
Violent crimen/an/a (estimate)459 (estimate)314364
Burglaryn/an/an/a131.8250.7
Theftn/an/an/a852.31,347.2
Vehicle theftn/an/an/a116.6318.7
Property crimen/an/a (estimate)1,611 (estimate)1,1011,917

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chester, 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 Chester crime rate is lower than the national average by 93%. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes in Chester, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 100%. Furthermore, Chester recorded 2 property crimes, amounting to 164 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 91.6%.

Chester proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 164, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Chester as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Chester reported zero instances of violent crime in the latest crime report, underscoring its exceptional safety profile in this regard. Violent crimes serve as a crucial gauge of a city's overall safety, and the absence of such incidents in Chester signifies it as a remarkably secure urban environment concerning violent crime.

In the most recently reported crime year, Chester 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.

In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In Chester, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 164, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

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, Chester emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

Is Chester a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Chester 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. Chester has a total crime rate that is 93% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.01 daily property crimes) in Chester.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chester

Chester has a poverty rate that stands at 12, 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 Chester 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.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Chester crime rates. Chester registers a population density of 670.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Chester, the cost of living is 2.86% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Chester crime map



The Chester crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chester as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chester crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chester crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Chester, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chester crime rates are 9% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chester are 26% higher than the national average
      • In Chester you have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chester is safer than 97% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chester has increased by 6%

      Chester, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Chester (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Chester (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chester

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chester is 1 in 218
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chester is 1 in 63
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chester is 1 in 49

        Year Over Year Crime In Chester (per 100,000 people)

        Chester police department

        Item Chester Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)111,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents0.72.23.3
        There are a total of 1 Chester police officers. This results in 0.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 65.6% less than the Massachusetts average and 77.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Westfield, MA41,303192800991
        Blandford, MA3383501,2281,578
        Lee, MA1,5083701,2161,586
        Russell, MA6584271,4961,923
        Pittsfield, MA42,5146481,2951,943
        Huntington, MA6754371,5321,969
        Chester, MA9354591,6112,070

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Houck, AZ9356612,9043,565
        Baxter, IA9352831,4541,737
        Lucerne Mines, PA9353622,1472,509
        Phil Campbell, AL9355682,3882,956
        Coosada, AL935159159318
        Chester, MA9354591,6112,070
        Source: The Chester, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2023. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.