| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Townsend/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 591 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 10.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 21.9 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 76.6 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 109 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 109.4 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 30 | n/a | 328.3 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 43.8 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 481 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Townsend crime rate is 72.1% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Townsend, there were 10 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 109 per 100,000 individuals, 69.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Townsend recorded 44 property crimes, amounting to 481 per 100,000 residents, 72.7% lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a crime rate of 591, well below the national average of 2119, Townsend emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Townsend to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
With only 109 incidents per 100,000 people, Townsend boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Townsend has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Townsend recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Townsend, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 481, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
To determine if Townsend is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Townsend has a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.15 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.12 daily property crimes) in Townsend.
Year-over-year crime rates in Townsend has decreased by 38.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Townsend is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 61.5%, while property crime has decreased by 29%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Townsend.
In Townsend, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Townsend crime rates.
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 Townsend, the cost of living is 12.7% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Townsend, the average rental rates are $1,263 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Townsend | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Groton, MA | 1,154 | 44 | 192 | 235 |
| Greenville, NH | 1,041 | 50 | 199 | 249 |
| Shirley, MA | 1,758 | 102 | 277 | 379 |
| Peterborough, NH | 2,805 | 46 | 429 | 475 |
| Pepperell, MA | 2,750 | 109 | 368 | 476 |
| Milford, NH | 8,980 | 36 | 448 | 484 |
| Wilton, NH | 1,243 | 25 | 476 | 501 |
| Townsend, MA | 1,311 | 109 | 481 | 591 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Inman, KS | 1,311 | 0 | 913 | 913 |
| North Ballston Spa, NY | 1,312 | 143 | 646 | 788 |
| Gardiner, NY | 1,312 | 163 | 737 | 900 |
| Stanberry, MO | 1,312 | 197 | 827 | 1,024 |
| Bradford Woods, PA | 1,312 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Townsend, MA | 1,311 | 109 | 481 | 591 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Massachusetts