Gardner, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gardner, 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 Gardner crime rate is lower than the national average by 54.6%. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes in Gardner, equivalent to 203 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 45.2%. Furthermore, Gardner recorded 181 property crimes, amounting to 853 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 56.4%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Gardner experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gardner?

What do the local residents think about crime in Gardner? Well, based on a recent survey of 17 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 35% of Gardner residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 65% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Gardner a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Gardner 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. Gardner has a total crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.61 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 0.5 daily property crimes) in Gardner.

Has Crime in Gardner Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Gardner. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Gardner has decreased by 16.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 32.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 11.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gardner

In Gardner, 79.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

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 Gardner, the cost of living is 13.13% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Gardner is $192,500, 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.

Gardner crime map