Newport, RI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newport, RI

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 Newport is 22.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 57 violent crimes reported in Newport, equivalent to 228 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 38.4%. Additionally, Newport recorded 394 property crimes, amounting to 1574 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 19.5%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Newport?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Newport residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 58% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Newport were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 42% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Newport a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Newport 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 Newport crime rate is 23% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.24 crimes per day - 0.16 violent crimes and 1.08 property crimes.

Has Crime in Newport Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Newport. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Newport has decreased by 4.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 7.6%, while property crime has decreased by 5.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Newport.

Potential Causes for Crime in Newport

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Newport crime rates. In Newport, the poverty rate stands at 14.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Newport has a median home price of $495,000, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Newport has an average rental rate of $1,326 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Newport crime map