A+
59%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
82%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
55%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWesterly/100k peopleRhode Island/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime225n/a (estimate)9551,4582,324
Murder0n/a0.01.56.3
Rape7n/a29.738.040.0
Robbery1n/a4.224.666.1
Assault8n/a34.0108.3268.2
Violent crime16n/a (estimate)68172370
Burglary32n/a135.8128.1269.8
Theft158n/a670.5997.61,401.9
Vehicle theft19n/a80.6159.6282.7
Property crime209n/a (estimate)8871,2851,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westerly, RI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Westerly is 58.9% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Westerly, there were 16 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 68 per 100,000 individuals, 81.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 209 property crimes, amounting to 887 per 100,000 residents, 54.6% lower than the U.S. average.

Westerly shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 68 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Westerly an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Westerly registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Westerly?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Westerly residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 92% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Westerly were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 8% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Westerly a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Westerly 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. Westerly has a total crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.62 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.57 daily property crimes) in Westerly.

Has Crime in Westerly Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westerly. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westerly has increased by 22.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 14.3%, while property crimes have increased by 22.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westerly

Westerly reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Westerly crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Westerly, 85.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Westerly, the average rental rates are $1,063 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Westerly crime map



The Westerly crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Westerly as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Westerly crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Westerly crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Westerly, RI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Westerly crime rates are 59% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Westerly are 82% lower than the national average
      • In Westerly you have a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Westerly is safer than 79% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Westerly has increased by 20%

      Westerly, RI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Westerly

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        Daily Crime In Westerly (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Westerly, RI per 100,000 people. In Westerly, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.53 times less than the Rhode Island average and 2.43 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Westerly is 2.54 times less than the Rhode Island average and 5.45 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Westerly has a daily crime rate that is 1.45 times less than the Rhode Island average and 2.20 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Westerly (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Westerly in comparison to other Rhode Island communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Westerly safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Westerly being safer than 58% of cities in Rhode Island and 79% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Rhode Island cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Westerly. In conclusion, Westerly ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Westerly

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Westerly is 1 in 1473
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Westerly is 1 in 113
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Westerly is 1 in 105
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Westerly? In Westerly, you have a 1 in 1473 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 113. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Westerly, RI is 1 in 105.

        Year Over Year Crime In Westerly (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Westerly is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Westerly has increased by 11% and the rate of property crime in Westerly has increased by 21%. The total crime rate in Westerly has increased by 20% year to year.

        Westerly police department

        Item Westerly Rhode Island National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)611,505558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.72.63.3
        There are a total of 61 Westerly police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.4% greater than the Rhode Island average and 17.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Rhode Island

        State Total offenders Rhode Island /100K National /100K
        Rhode Islandn/an/an/a

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Groton Long Point, CT436000
        Noank, CT1,45429293323
        Hopkinton, RI61247306354
        Hope Valley, RI1,88858434492
        Ashaway, RI1,44460452512
        Charlestown, RI1,39274468542
        Mystic, CT4,77651503554
        Westerly, RI17,84268887955

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Jenison, MI17,8514551,5181,974
        Radford, VA17,8333181,0901,408
        El Dorado, AR17,8261,7323,1754,907
        Canby, OR17,8601221,1601,282
        Amsterdam, NY17,8231321,4011,533
        Westerly, RI17,84268887955
        Source: The Westerly, RI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.