A+
53%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
46%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleLancaster/100k peopleNew York/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime393n/a (estimate)1,0002,1002,119
Murder0n/a0.02.75.0
Rape3n/a7.621.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.096.160.6
Assault14n/a35.6259.6256.1
Violent crime17n/a (estimate)43380359
Burglary18n/a45.8136.6229.2
Theft322n/a819.51,432.81,272.1
Vehicle theft36n/a91.6150.2258.8
Property crime376n/a (estimate)9571,7201,760

Lancaster crime map

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The Lancaster crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Lancaster as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Lancaster crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Lancaster crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Lancaster, NY

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 Lancaster crime rate is lower than the national average by 52.8%. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes in Lancaster, equivalent to 43 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 88%. Furthermore, Lancaster recorded 376 property crimes, amounting to 957 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 45.6%.

Lancaster shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 43 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Lancaster an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Lancaster registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lancaster?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Lancaster. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 100% of people felt that there was very little crime in Lancaster and felt safe walking alone at night. While 0% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lancaster a Safe Place to Live?

Is Lancaster a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Lancaster has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 53%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.08 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 1.03 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lancaster as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Lancaster Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lancaster. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lancaster has increased by 9.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 41.7%, while property crimes have increased by 8.4%. 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 Lancaster

In Lancaster, the poverty rate currently stands at 9.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Lancaster crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Lancaster, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Lancaster, the average rental rates are $1,105 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Lancaster, NY Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Lancaster crime rates are 53% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Lancaster are 88% lower than the national average
      • In Lancaster you have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Lancaster is safer than 76% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Lancaster has increased by 2%

      Lancaster, NY Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Lancaster

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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Lancaster?
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        See all Lancaster poll results

        Daily Crime In Lancaster (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Lancaster for every 100,000 residents. The Lancaster total amount of daily crime is 2.10 times less than the New York average and 2.12 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Lancaster, is 8.79 times less than the New York average, and it is 8.30 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Lancaster has a daily crime average that is 1.80 times less than the New York average and 1.84 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Lancaster (higher is better)

        How safe is Lancaster, New York compared to other cities in New York and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Lancaster is safer than 87% of the cities in New York and 76% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in New York and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Lancaster. Overall, Lancaster is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Lancaster

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lancaster is 1 in 2312
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Lancaster is 1 in 105
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Lancaster is 1 in 100
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Lancaster, New York you have a 1 in 2312 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Lancaster.

        Year Over Year Crime In Lancaster (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Lancaster is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Lancaster has decreased by 23%, while the property crime rate in Lancaster has increased by 3% year over year. The number of total crimes in Lancaster has increased by 2% year over year.

        Lancaster police department

        Item Lancaster New York National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)65109,351558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a2.93.3

        Sex offenders in New York

        State Total offenders New York /100K National /100K
        New York25,064137266
        There are a total of 25,064 sex offenders in New York. This yields a total of 137 sex offenders in New York per 100,000 residents which is 48% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Elma Center, NY3,90279359438
        Billington Heights, NY1,550101458560
        Clarence Center, NY3,300116525642
        Clarence, NY2,283132596728
        Orchard Park, NY3,242154695848
        Town Line, NY1,821155700855
        Akron, NY2,934178808986
        Lancaster, NY10,349439571,000

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Española, NM10,3497232,7733,496
        The Pinery, CO10,3481819881,169
        Vernon, TX10,3474431,9682,411
        Elkhorn, WI10,35159538597
        Harrisonville, MO10,3435531,7622,315
        Lancaster, NY10,349439571,000
        Source: The Lancaster, NY crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.