| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ithaca/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,148 | n/a (estimate) | 3,412 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 17.8 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 47.6 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 127.8 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 66 | n/a (estimate) | 196 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 111 | n/a | 329.9 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 955 | n/a | 2,838.4 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 47.6 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,082 | n/a (estimate) | 3,216 | 1,720 | 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 Ithaca crime rate is higher than the national average by 61%. Specifically, there were 66 violent crimes in Ithaca, equivalent to 196 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 45.4%. Furthermore, Ithaca recorded 1082 property crimes, amounting to 3216 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 82.7%.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ithaca residents. Out of the respondents (45 in total), 56% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ithaca were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 44% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Ithaca 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. Ithaca has a total crime rate that is 61% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.15 daily crimes (0.18 violent daily crimes and 2.96 daily property crimes) in Ithaca.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ithaca. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ithaca has decreased by 8.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 32.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.5%. 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.
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 Ithaca crime rates. Ithaca registers a population density of 5827.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Ithaca, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.61 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
Ithaca has an average rental rate of $1,776 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
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 | Ithaca | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 79 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cayuga Heights, NY | 3,726 | 81 | 365 | 445 |
| Northeast Ithaca, NY | 2,866 | 132 | 597 | 728 |
| East Ithaca, NY | 2,214 | 135 | 610 | 745 |
| Lansing, NY | 3,722 | 135 | 611 | 745 |
| Cortland West, NY | 1,352 | 141 | 639 | 780 |
| Trumansburg, NY | 1,673 | 143 | 649 | 793 |
| Northwest Ithaca, NY | 2,174 | 172 | 780 | 952 |
| Ithaca, NY | 31,399 | 196 | 3,216 | 3,412 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Crown Point, IN | 31,396 | 77 | 531 | 608 |
| Drexel Heights, AZ | 31,405 | 536 | 2,276 | 2,812 |
| Cleburne, TX | 31,440 | 277 | 1,178 | 1,454 |
| Opelika, AL | 31,335 | 560 | 2,624 | 3,185 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 31,333 | 137 | 698 | 835 |
| Ithaca, NY | 31,399 | 196 | 3,216 | 3,412 |
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