Safest cities in New Hampshire

Known as the 'Granite State,' New Hampshire is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the northeastern United States, New Hampshire offers a diverse geography that includes the White Mountains, scenic lakes, and a short but beautiful Atlantic coastline. The state's economy is supported by industries such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Concord, the state capital, and Manchester, the largest city, are cultural and economic hubs with thriving arts scenes, historic sites, and numerous outdoor activities. New Hampshire is known for its traditional New England charm, with quaint villages, covered bridges, and autumn foliage attracting visitors year-round.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in New Hampshire highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of New Hampshire's cities include strong law enforcement, community policing, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions New Hampshire has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Durham Population: 12,016 373 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 58 Property Crime / 100k: 315 chance of being a victim: 1 in 268

Durham proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in New Hampshire. With only 373 crimes per 100,000 people, Durham has a crime rate that is 84% lower than the New Hampshire average. This equates to an average of 0.16 crimes per day and a 1 in 268 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Milford Population: 8,644 392 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 43 Property Crime / 100k: 349 chance of being a victim: 1 in 255

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Milford comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in New Hampshire with a crime rate of 392 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 37 counts of burglary, 288 counts of theft, 24 counts of vehicle theft, 31 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 12 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Milford, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Newmarket Population: 5,737 584 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 85 Property Crime / 100k: 499 chance of being a victim: 1 in 171

With a population of 5,737 and a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 residents, Newmarket is the 3rd safest city in New Hampshire. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 91% lower than the New Hampshire average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Hanover Population: 8,744 603 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 85 Property Crime / 100k: 518 chance of being a victim: 1 in 166

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Hanover is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 603, 88% lower than the New Hampshire average. This amounts to 0.19 crimes per day and a 1 in 166 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Hanover a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Exeter Population: 9,349 662 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 80 Property Crime / 100k: 582 chance of being a victim: 1 in 151

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Exeter consistently ranks high in safety. In Exeter, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 662, which is 84% lower than the state average.

Londonderry Population: 12,053 812 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 121 Property Crime / 100k: 691 chance of being a victim: 1 in 123

Londonderry has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in New Hampshire. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 812 crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the New Hampshire average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 34 reports of burglary, 596 reports of theft, 61 reports of vehicle theft, 19 reports of assault, 11 reports of robbery, 91 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Hudson Population: 7,230 858 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 63 Property Crime / 100k: 795 chance of being a victim: 1 in 117

Hudson ranks as the seventh safest city in New Hampshire and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 117 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.60 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Hudson’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in New Hampshire.

Hampton Population: 10,002 861 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 116 Property Crime / 100k: 745 chance of being a victim: 1 in 116

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Hampton is the 8th safest city in New Hampshire. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 84% lower than the New Hampshire average, reporting a total of 861 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Derry Population: 22,891 945 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 120 Property Crime / 100k: 825 chance of being a victim: 1 in 106

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Derry is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in New Hampshire, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 945 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 66% lower than the state average.

Hooksett Population: 5,517 1,045 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 137 Property Crime / 100k: 908 chance of being a victim: 1 in 96

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in New Hampshire, is Hooksett. With a low rate of crime that included 33 burglaries, 784 thefts, 91 vehicle thefts, 39 assaults, 26 robberies, 65 rapes and 7 homicides, the overall crime rate was 85% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in New Hampshire

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Durham	12,016	58	315	373
2	Milford	8,644	43	349	392
3	Newmarket	5,737	85	499	584
4	Hanover	8,744	85	518	603
5	Exeter	9,349	80	582	662
6	Londonderry	12,053	121	691	812
7	Hudson	7,230	63	795	858
8	Hampton	10,002	116	745	861
9	Derry	22,891	120	825	945
10	Hooksett	5,517	137	908	1,045
11	Dover	31,922	39	1,016	1,055
12	Franklin	8,695	90	1,073	1,164
13	Nashua	89,052	157	1,069	1,226
14	Portsmouth	21,418	178	1,253	1,430
15	Newport	5,530	203	1,248	1,451
16	Concord	43,503	138	1,354	1,492
17	Lebanon	13,718	159	1,726	1,885
18	Rochester	31,305	190	1,734	1,925
19	Berlin	10,025	185	1,770	1,955
20	Somersworth	12,027	90	2,015	2,105
21	Keene	22,823	172	2,140	2,312
22	Claremont	12,969	167	2,258	2,425
23	Laconia	16,584	146	2,747	2,893
24	Manchester	112,441	412	2,489	2,901

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in New Hampshire is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included New Hampshire cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.