| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hartford/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,021 | n/a (estimate) | 3,361 | 1,502 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 21 | n/a | 17.6 | 2.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 51 | n/a | 42.6 | 17.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 163 | n/a | 136.3 | 38.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 382 | n/a | 319.3 | 77.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 617 | n/a (estimate) | 516 | 136 | 359 |
| Burglary | 267 | n/a | 223.2 | 117.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,082 | n/a | 1,740.4 | 1,013.7 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,055 | n/a | 881.9 | 235.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,404 | n/a (estimate) | 2,846 | 1,366 | 1,760 |
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 Hartford crime rate is higher than the national average by 58.6%. Specifically, there were 617 violent crimes in Hartford, equivalent to 516 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 43.6%. Furthermore, Hartford recorded 3404 property crimes, amounting to 2846 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 61.7%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Hartford ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Hartford, there were a total of 21 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
With a total of 1055 vehicle thefts last year, Hartford has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 882 per 100,000 people. This lands Hartford in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 114.
AreaVibes surveyed 112 local residents in Hartford to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 21% of people answered that there was very little crime in Hartford and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 79% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Hartford, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Hartford presents a total crime rate that is 59% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Hartford experiences an average of 11.02 daily crimes, comprising 1.69 violent incidents and 9.33 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Hartford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Hartford has increased by 26.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 6.6%, while property crimes have increased by 30.5%. 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.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Hartford, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 17 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Hartford are areas such as West End, North Meadows and Downtown, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Clay Arsenal, North East and Parkville are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Hartford crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Hartford has an unemployment rate of 7.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Hartford has a population density of 7214.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Hartford crime rates.
In Hartford, the cost of living is 4.63% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Hartford | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 516 | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weatogue, CT | 2,471 | 25 | 247 | 271 |
| West Simsbury, CT | 3,230 | 26 | 260 | 286 |
| Portland, CT | 6,128 | 0 | 434 | 434 |
| East Hampton, CT | 3,624 | 23 | 420 | 443 |
| Salmon Brook, CT | 2,401 | 41 | 413 | 454 |
| Collinsville, CT | 3,849 | 44 | 437 | 481 |
| Plantsville, CT | 1,994 | 48 | 482 | 530 |
| Hartford, CT | 125,397 | 516 | 2,846 | 3,361 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Columbia, MO | 125,431 | 348 | 2,318 | 2,665 |
| Odessa, TX | 125,590 | 316 | 1,842 | 2,159 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 125,691 | 302 | 1,716 | 2,018 |
| Wilmington, NC | 125,049 | 483 | 3,515 | 3,998 |
| East Los Angeles, CA | 124,794 | 653 | 2,792 | 3,445 |
| Hartford, CT | 125,397 | 516 | 2,846 | 3,361 |
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