North Adams, MA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in North Adams, MA

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 North Adams crime rate is higher than the national average by 46.1%. Specifically, there were 129 violent crimes in North Adams, equivalent to 1005 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 171.8%. Furthermore, North Adams recorded 307 property crimes, amounting to 2392 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.4%.

North Adams ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1005 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in North Adams stand at 1 in every 100 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. North Adams has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in North Adams, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in North Adams?

What is the prevailing sentiment among North Adams residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 33% of North Adams residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 67% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is North Adams a Safe Place to Live?

Is North Adams 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, North Adams has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 46%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.19 daily incidents, encompassing 0.35 violent crimes and 0.84 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of North Adams as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in North Adams Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in North Adams. 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 North Adams has decreased by 1.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 5.8%, while property crime has decreased by 0.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in North Adams.

Potential Causes for Crime in North Adams

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In North Adams, 77% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In North Adams, the cost of living is 0.59% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased 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 North Adams, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.11, 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.

North Adams crime map