Safest cities in Connecticut

Known as the 'Constitution State,' Connecticut is a blend of coastal charm and rich history. Located in the northeastern United States, Connecticut boasts scenic shorelines along Long Island Sound, picturesque rural areas, and bustling urban centers. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from finance, insurance, manufacturing, and education sectors. Connecticut is home to prestigious institutions such as Yale University, adding to its cultural and intellectual vibrancy. The state offers a variety of cultural attractions, including historic sites, museums, theaters, and music festivals, providing residents with a rich array of activities and experiences.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in Connecticut highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of Connecticut's cities include strong law enforcement, active community policing, and engaged local governments. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring a transparent and reliable measure of safety. This emphasis on security allows residents to enjoy Connecticut's beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Ridgefield Population: 7,228 140 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 140 chance of being a victim: 1 in 716

Ridgefield proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Connecticut. With only 140 crimes per 100,000 people, Ridgefield has a crime rate that is 75% lower than the Connecticut average. This equates to an average of 0.10 crimes per day and a 1 in 716 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Portland Population: 5,937 463 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 42 Property Crime / 100k: 421 chance of being a victim: 1 in 216

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Portland comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut with a crime rate of 463 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 21 counts of burglary, 326 counts of theft, 74 counts of vehicle theft, 32 counts of assault, 11 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Portland, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

New Milford Population: 6,749 680 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 28 Property Crime / 100k: 651 chance of being a victim: 1 in 147

With a population of 6,749 and a total crime rate of 680 per 100,000 residents, New Milford is the 3rd safest city in Connecticut. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the Connecticut average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Bethel Population: 10,839 733 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 24 Property Crime / 100k: 709 chance of being a victim: 1 in 136

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Bethel is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 733, 79% lower than the Connecticut average. This amounts to 0.42 crimes per day and a 1 in 136 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Bethel a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Willimantic Population: 18,669 939 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 62 Property Crime / 100k: 878 chance of being a victim: 1 in 106

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Willimantic consistently ranks high in safety. In Willimantic, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 939, which is 82% lower than the state average.

Shelton Population: 41,162 967 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 50 Property Crime / 100k: 917 chance of being a victim: 1 in 103

Shelton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Connecticut. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 967 crimes per 100,000 people, 58% lower than the Connecticut average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 145 reports of burglary, 604 reports of theft, 168 reports of vehicle theft, 21 reports of assault, 12 reports of robbery, 14 reports of rape and 2 reports of homicide.

Greenwich Population: 12,967 1,099 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 22 Property Crime / 100k: 1,077 chance of being a victim: 1 in 91

Greenwich ranks as the seventh safest city in Connecticut and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 91 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.92 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Greenwich’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Connecticut.

Putnam Population: 7,138 1,103 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 130 Property Crime / 100k: 974 chance of being a victim: 1 in 91

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Putnam is the 8th safest city in Connecticut. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Connecticut average, reporting a total of 1,103 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Torrington Population: 34,259 1,108 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 54 Property Crime / 100k: 1,054 chance of being a victim: 1 in 90

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Torrington is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Connecticut, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,108 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 65% lower than the state average.

Naugatuck Population: 31,201 1,279 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 80 Property Crime / 100k: 1,199 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Connecticut, is Naugatuck. With a low rate of crime that included 134 burglaries, 922 thefts, 144 vehicle thefts, 38 assaults, 22 robberies, 16 rapes and 3 homicides, the overall crime rate was 69% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Connecticut

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Ridgefield	7,228	0	140	140
2	Portland	5,937	42	421	463
3	New Milford	6,749	28	651	680
4	Bethel	10,839	24	709	733
5	Willimantic	18,669	62	878	939
6	Shelton	41,162	50	917	967
7	Greenwich	12,967	22	1,077	1,099
8	Putnam	7,138	130	974	1,103
9	Torrington	34,259	54	1,054	1,108
10	Naugatuck	31,201	80	1,199	1,279
11	Windsor Locks	12,732	56	1,288	1,344
12	Stamford	130,057	193	1,169	1,362
13	Darien	21,519	28	1,350	1,378
14	Bristol	60,039	79	1,312	1,391
15	Danbury	84,650	138	1,306	1,443
16	Wethersfield	26,068	96	1,498	1,594
17	Westport	27,511	15	1,615	1,630
18	Bridgeport	145,014	408	1,242	1,650
19	Middletown	46,406	102	1,632	1,733
20	Norwalk	88,755	124	1,731	1,854
21	New London	27,001	239	1,688	1,926
22	Trumbull	36,477	59	1,879	1,939
23	Norwich	39,112	302	1,664	1,965
24	Stratford	52,300	113	1,860	1,972
25	Ansonia	18,709	123	1,979	2,101
26	West Haven	54,666	122	2,071	2,193
27	Milford city	52,902	82	2,342	2,423
28	New Britain	72,543	363	2,062	2,425
29	Meriden	59,512	292	2,345	2,637
30	Newington	30,114	135	2,507	2,642
31	West Hartford	63,023	59	2,661	2,720
32	Manchester	35,946	164	2,585	2,749
33	East Haven	28,645	173	2,601	2,774
34	East Hartford	50,036	190	2,673	2,863
35	North Haven	23,665	75	2,940	3,014
36	Hartford	122,549	570	2,478	3,048
37	Waterbury	107,841	390	2,874	3,264
38	Derby	12,420	359	3,047	3,406
39	New Haven	130,381	555	3,101	3,656
40	Orange	13,928	84	4,137	4,221

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Connecticut is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Connecticut cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.