Westminster, MD Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westminster, MD

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 Westminster is 4.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 93 violent crimes reported in Westminster, equivalent to 461 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 24.7%. Additionally, Westminster recorded 398 property crimes, amounting to 1974 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 1%.

The Westminster crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Westminster, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

Westminster showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

In the most recent release, Westminster reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Westminster, there were 1974 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Westminster?

AreaVibes surveyed 28 local residents in Westminster to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 54% of people answered that there was very little crime in Westminster and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 46% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Westminster a Safe Place to Live?

Is Westminster 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, Westminster has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 5%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.35 daily incidents, encompassing 0.25 violent crimes and 1.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Westminster as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Westminster Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Westminster has decreased by 23.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Westminster, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 36.8%, while property crime has decreased by 30.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Westminster is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westminster

Westminster has a population density of 2808.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Westminster crime rates.

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 Westminster, 85.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Westminster, the cost of living is 12.15% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Westminster crime map