Lawrence, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lawrence, MA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lawrence is 39.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 444 violent crimes reported in Lawrence, equivalent to 502 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 35.8%. Additionally, Lawrence recorded 799 property crimes, amounting to 904 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 53.8%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lawrence?

What do the local residents think about crime in Lawrence? Well, based on a recent survey of 55 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 15% of Lawrence residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 85% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lawrence a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lawrence, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lawrence presents a total crime rate that is 40% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lawrence experiences an average of 3.41 daily crimes, comprising 1.22 violent incidents and 2.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Lawrence Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lawrence has increased by 2.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lawrence, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 23.3%, while property crime has increased by 5.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lawrence is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lawrence

In Lawrence, the poverty rate currently stands at 21%, 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 Lawrence crime rates.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Lawrence crime rates. For instance, in Lawrence, the population density stands at 11547.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Lawrence, the cost of living is 20.66% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Lawrence crime map