Connecticut Crime Rates (2025)

We’re discussing crime rates in Connecticut. The state has been considered one of the safest states in the U.S., and new data from 2023 and 2024 confirms that trend. With violent crime rates among the lowest in the country and continued improvement in cities like Hamden, Norwalk, and Shelton, Connecticut is an excellent example of how strategic law enforcement and community investments can reduce crime across urban and suburban areas. What they’ve been able to accomplish over the last 10 years has been impressive. Let’s discuss it.

Statewide Crime Overview

According to the most recent FBI UCR data, Connecticut reported:

• 150 violent crimes per 100,000 residents (national average: 374)
• 1,551 property crimes per 100,000 residents (national average: 1,954)

This places Connecticut:

• 48th in the U.S. for violent crime
• Below the national average for property crime

Source: USAFacts

Long-Term Crime Trends (2013–2023)

Connecticut has made a lot of progress over the past decade in reducing crime:

• Violent crime dropped 43%
• Property crime declined 29%

From 2022 to 2023:

• Aggravated assaults fell 32%
• Robberies were cut in half
• Homicides increased slightly from 136 to 137
• Property crime saw a modest 1.2% increase

Source: Connecticut Office of Policy and Management – Criminal Justice Trends Report 2024

City-by-City Crime Breakdown

Cities with the Highest Crime Rates (2023)

Source: SafeHome.org, CT Office of Policy and Management

Safest Cities and Towns in Connecticut

Source: SafeWise, SafeHome.org

City Spotlights: Progress & Challenges

Hartford

Despite having the highest violent crime rate in Connecticut, Hartford has made steady progress through targeted policing and community outreach. Challenges remain, particularly in densely populated areas.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport Police reported that crime is decreasing, but they are struggling with officer shortages. The city currently employs approximately 310 officers, but Chief Roderick Porter believes 350–400 are needed to maintain safety.

Source: CT Post

Hamden

Hamden saw an 8% drop in overall crime in 2024. Violent crime fell 28%, while property crime dipped 4%. Community policing and youth outreach efforts were credited for the improvement.

Source: New Haven Register

Norwalk

In 2024, Norwalk experienced a 7.7% reduction in total crime, driven by citywide safety investments and strong leadership.

Source: The Hour

Shelton

Shelton ranked among the top 10 safest cities in Connecticut, with just 0.5 violent crimes and 9.1 property crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024.

Source: CT Insider

Danbury

Danbury saw an 8% rise in overall crime in 2024, with a 17% increase in violent crime. Police attributed the rise to improved reporting standards, rather than an actual increase in criminal activity.

Source: News Times

Urban vs. Suburban Safety

Urban areas like Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven tend to report higher crime rates due to population density, poverty levels, and systemic challenges.

In contrast, affluent suburbs such as Ridgefield, Simsbury, and Madison benefit from:

• Higher household income
• Strong school systems
• Community-oriented policing
• Low population density

Source: SafeHome.org, SafeWise

State vs. National Rankings

Connecticut ranks:

• 48th for violent crime
• In the bottom third for property crime

Compared to national averages:

• Violent crime rate is less than half the U.S. average
• Property crime remains below average, though higher than neighboring states like Maine and New Hampshire

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, USAFacts

Community Crime Prevention Programs

Connecticut’s safety improvements are partly due to its investment in:

• NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System): More detailed and accurate crime data
• Community policing programs: Expanded in Hamden, Norwalk, and Bridgeport
• Neighborhood watch groups: Active in dozens of towns statewide
• Youth outreach and rehabilitation: Focused on prevention, not just enforcement

Source: Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, Local Police Department Reports

Cost of Crime in Connecticut

While Connecticut’s overall crime rate is low, the financial cost of crime still affects communities—especially in cities with higher rates of property theft, vandalism, and violent incidents.

Based on cost models used by public safety research organizations:

• The average cost of crime per Connecticut household is estimated at $310 annually
• This includes direct losses (theft, burglary), indirect impacts (insurance, security costs), and law enforcement expenses
• Cities like Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven bear a disproportionate share of this financial burden, compared to towns like Ridgefield or Simsbury

These types of estimates help contextualize the broader social and economic implications of criminal activity, even in states with low crime rates.

Law Enforcement Strategy and Resource Allocation

Connecticut has increasingly leaned on data-driven policing strategies and technology to address crime while working within tight budgets.

Notable Developments:

• Bridgeport Police Department is lobbying to increase its force to 350–400 officers, citing chronic understaffing despite declining crime rates
• Hamden and Norwalk both credit their reductions in crime to community partnerships, youth programming, and increased patrols
• Statewide NIBRS adoption allows for more nuanced, real-time crime data collection and reporting

These investments have helped balance short-term enforcement with long-term prevention efforts.

Sources: CT Post, New Haven Register, The Hour, CT Office of Policy and Management

Local Perception of Crime vs. Data

While statistics show Connecticut to be a safe state, local perceptions can vary:

• Residents in urban areas sometimes report feeling unsafe due to visible issues like homelessness, drug use, or under-policing
• In contrast, suburban and rural residents tend to report high levels of perceived safety and satisfaction with law enforcement presence
• Media coverage often amplifies isolated incidents, leading to public sentiment that doesn’t always reflect overall trends

Connecticut municipalities are increasingly utilizing transparency portals and crime dashboards to share up-to-date, neighborhood-level data with the public, helping to bridge the perception gap.

Recommendations for Residents and Newcomers

Whether you’re a current resident or considering a move to Connecticut, here are tips to stay informed and safe:

• Review local crime data from your municipality’s police department or the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management
• Join a neighborhood watch or town Facebook group to stay updated on local safety concerns
• Explore local safety initiatives—many towns offer free workshops or citizen police academies
• Install basic home security systems or video doorbells in urban areas where property theft is more common. We rate home security companies in Connecticut, so be sure to check out those scores if you’re considering a home security system.

By taking these proactive steps, residents can contribute to safety while staying aware of local trends.

Connecticut Home Security Companies

There are several home security companies that offer home security services in Connecticut. Here’s our top reviewed home security companies for Connectocitu:

• Alarm New England
• Vivint
• Wayne Alarm
• Cape Cod Alarm
• ADT

Final Thoughts On Connecticut Crime Rates

Connecticut stands out as a national example of how effective policing, community investment, and the utilization of real-time data can contribute to sustained public safety. Violent crime is less than half the national average, and property crime—while still present in some urban areas—is on the decline or holding steady in most parts of the state.

From Ridgefield and Simsbury’s near-zero crime reports to meaningful progress in cities like Norwalk and Hamden, Connecticut’s mix of strategic planning and local engagement is working. Continued staffing, outreach, and funding support will be critical to ensuring that this progress continues through 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Connecticut a safe state?

Yes. Connecticut consistently ranks among the safest states in the U.S. In 2023, the state reported just 150 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average. Most cities and towns in Connecticut maintain very low crime levels, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Top 10 Safest Cities In Connecticut 

Which cities in Connecticut have the most crime?

Urban centers typically experience the highest crime rates. The cities with the most reported crime include:

• Hartford – highest violent crime rate in the state
• New Haven – elevated levels of both violent and property crime
• Bridgeport and Waterbury – above-average rates for major offenses

These areas face greater challenges due to higher population density, socioeconomic factors, and urban infrastructure.

What are the safest towns in Connecticut?

Several Connecticut towns consistently report some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. These include:

• Ridgefield – zero burglaries reported in 2023
• Simsbury, Madison, Cheshire, and Plainfield – extremely low violent crime (often under 10 per 100,000 residents) and minimal property crime.

These towns benefit from strong community engagement, effective local law enforcement, and low-density residential areas.

Has crime been increasing or decreasing in Connecticut?

Crime in Connecticut has been steadily declining for the past decade. Between 2013 and 2023:

• Violent crime dropped by 43%
• Property crime fell by 29%

While a few cities saw slight increases in reported crime in 2024, this was primarily attributed to improved reporting standards, not a real surge in crime.

What is Connecticut doing to improve public safety?

Connecticut has implemented several measures to enhance public safety:

• Community policing programs in cities like Hamden and Norwalk
• Data-driven enforcement strategies using the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
• Youth outreach and violence prevention initiatives in higher-risk areas
• Increased funding for police recruitment and technology in cities like Bridgeport

These strategies have contributed to lower crime rates and improved relationships between law enforcement and local communities.

How does Connecticut compare to the national average?

Connecticut’s violent crime rate is among the lowest in the country, ranking 48th out of all 50 states. Its property crime rate also falls well below the national average. Overall, Connecticut remains one of the top states for public safety, especially when compared to other densely populated Northeastern states.