Hartford, CT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hartford, CT

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hartford is 31.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hartford, there were 685 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 570 per 100,000 individuals, 54.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2978 property crimes, amounting to 2478 per 100,000 residents, 26.8% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Hartford stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Hartford, a total of 37 murders were reported, equating to 31 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Hartford ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 620 vehicle thefts, amounting to 516 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Hartford within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 194.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hartford?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hartford residents. Out of the respondents (108 in total), 20% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hartford were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 80% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Hartford a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hartford 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 Hartford crime rate is 31% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 10.04 crimes per day - 1.88 violent crimes and 8.16 property crimes.

Has Crime in Hartford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Hartford crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Hartford has increased by 14.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 18.3% and property crime has increased by 14.2%.

Hartford Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Hartford region comprises an array of over 16 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Hartford are exemplars such as West End, Blue Hills and South West, whereas South Green, Clay Arsenal and Parkville grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hartford

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Hartford crime rates. The population density in Hartford is 7051.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Hartford, there are 4.12 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

The median home price in Hartford is $170,200, 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.

Hartford crime map