What does this measure?
The number of property crimes, per 1,000 residents. These crimes include arson, burglary, theft, fraud, embezzlement, and destruction/vandalism.
Why is this important?
Crime detracts from the quality of life of those who directly experience and witness it, but it also impacts the lives of others within the community, as well as housing stability, and a community's attractiveness as a place to live, work, and do business.
How is our county doing?
The rate of reported property crimes in Essex County in 2017 was 19 per 1,000 residents, just below the state rate of 21. The state and Essex County have each reduced their rates slightly from the previous year. There has been an overall reduction in Essex County's rate since 2008, when it peaked at 30.
The highest property crime rates were in the cities of Salem (40) and Lynn (30). Towns with high rates of crimes against property (over 20) included Danvers, Salisbury, Saugus, and Swampscott while Rockport, Groveland and Wenham each had the lowest rates of property crime (5 or below) in 2017.
How do we compare to similar counties?
Middlesex (18 per 1,000 residents) and Essex County had similar rates in 2017. Comparable data for Lake, IL and Westchester, NY was not available.
Notes about the data
The City of Lawrence does not report comparable data. Property crime includes burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Comparable national data and rates for comparison counties were not available. Data for this indicator is expected to be released annually in July.