If you’re considering relocating to one of the picturesque towns in Cape Cod, questions about safety are likely top of mind. Known for its charming beaches and peaceful Cape Cod 55+ communities, Cape Cod offers a unique lifestyle for residents of all ages. But how does it rank in terms of safety? Is Cape Cod safe for families, retirees, and newcomers?
In this guide, we’ll explore the Cape Cod crime rate using the most recent FBI crime data. From detailed reports to trends across neighborhoods, we’ll provide a clear picture of the crime rate in Cape Cod, helping you make an informed decision about your move. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cape Cod crime rate!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Cape Cod Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
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Before we dive into the Cape Cod crime rate, it’s important to understand where this data comes from in the first place. The Cape Cod crime rate is determined by reports and details from local law enforcement agencies and is then reported by the FBI.
To determine the crime rate, the FBI looks at the total number of crimes committed in an area per 1,000 residents and then divides that number by the area’s population. Then, the number is multiplied by 100 and reported as “X crimes per 100,000 people.” Crime rates are divided into the categories of overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate.
Although crime rates are a good way to get a picture of the overall crime in Cape Cod, you shouldn’t use them as a sole source for deciding whether or not the area is safe. Crime rates are city-wide, meaning that they do not differentiate between areas and neighborhoods. Certain neighborhoods (or even streets) with high levels of crime can drive up the crime rate for an entire city.
CNN also reports that it’s important to give context to crime rates. Although murder rates are higher than average now, they’re still about 40% below what they were in the 80s and 90s.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that Cape Cod is a large area with several different cities and towns. Some areas see a high number of crimes, while others see little to no crime at all. This is why it’s important to research the specific areas you are considering.
What Is the Cape Cod Crime Rate?
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Is Cape Cod safe? The best way to answer this question is to consider the Cape Cod crime rate. However, because Cape Cod covers 339 square miles and features dozens of towns, there are no crime statistics for the entire peninsula. However, we can take a look at the Cape Cod crime rate for certain cities and towns.
Here is an overview of the crime rate in the top three most populous towns in Cape Cod. This will help you get a better general understanding of crime in Cape Cod. We’ll also compare the crime rates to the crime rate in Massachusetts and the United States.
National Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,324 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 370 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,954 crimes per 100,000 people
Massachusetts Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,392 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 322 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,070 crimes per 100,000 people
Barnstable Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,257 crimes per 100,000 people (9.7% lower than the state average and 45.9% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 463 crimes per 100,000 people (43.8% higher than the state average and 25.2% higher than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 794 crimes per 100,000 people (25.8% lower than the state average and 59.4% lower than the national average)
Falmouth Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,048 crimes per 100,000 people (24.7% lower than the state average and 54.9% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 242 crimes per 100,000 people (24.8% lower than the state average and 34.6% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 806 crimes per 100,000 people (24.7% lower than the state average and 58.8% lower than the national average)
Yarmouth Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,198 crimes per 100,000 people (13.9% lower than the state average and 48.5% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 315 crimes per 100,000 people (2.2% lower than the state average and 14.8% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 883 crimes per 100,000 people (17.5% lower than the state average and 54.8% lower than the national average)
As you can see, all of these larger towns in Cape Cod have an overall crime rate that is less than the state and national averages. Overall, the Cape Cod crime rate is on the decline, according to The Barnstable Patriot.
Cape Cod Crime Map & Crime Reports
One of the best ways to analyze the Cape Cod crime rate is to take a look at Cape Cod crime reports and crime maps.
You can use reports from websites like NeighborhoodScout to view a visual picture of the Cape Cod crime rate. For example, this interactive map shows a crime map from Barnstable. The darker areas represent areas where crime is higher, while the lighter areas represent the safer areas.
You can toggle the map to view other areas on the Cape.
Another good way to understand crime in Cape Cod is to take a look at crime reports in the area. All Cape Security Patrol has an interactive crime map displaying all crime reports in Cape Cod. These reports happen in real time, and you can view them based on the type of crime and the time of the crime.
Violent Crime in Cape Cod
Violent crime is a big part of the Cape Cod crime rate. Cape Cod generally experiences lower violent crime rates compared to national averages. Recent reports indicate a decline in violent crime; for instance, the Barnstable Police Department noted a decrease in incidents, with 174 violent crime incidents in 2020, according to The Barnstable Patriot.
It’s also important to note that 125 of these incidents occurred in someone’s home, often the result of domestic disputes.
Property Crime in Cape Cod
Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in Cape Cod, with incidents such as car and home break-ins being relatively common. This is partly due to the presence of wealthy homes and seasonal properties that can attract opportunistic criminals. However, while property crime can be inconvenient and frustrating, it rarely poses a direct threat to personal safety.
Simple precautions, like locking doors, securing valuables, and using home security systems, can significantly reduce the risk.
Dangerous Towns in Cape Cod
Here are a few towns in Cape Cod that have been ranked as the most dangerous.
Barnstable
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Barnstable has some of the highest crime rates compared to the rest of Cape Cod. However, the area is still relatively safe. The town has a high violent crime rate that is 43.8% higher than the state average and 25.2% higher than the national average. This is about twice the rate for the rest of the Cape.
Hyannis
Located within the town of Barnstable, the village of Hyannis also sees higher-than-average crime. While most of the area is safe, certain areas of Hyannis, particularly north of Main St and just south of the Cape Cod Mall, have been described as ‘sketchy,’ with reports of arson and even shootings.
What Is the Safest Town on Cape Cod?
There are several towns that see a lower-than-average Cape Cod crime rate.
Eastham
When it comes to a low Cape Cod crime rate, Eastham takes the cake. The Eastham crime rate is 49.25% lower than the state average and 69.6% lower than the national average. Eastham is home to some of the best beaches on the Cape, such as Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach.
Mashpee
With a crime rate that is 43.4% lower than the state average and 66.1% lower than the national average, Mashpee is one of the safest places to live in Cape Cod. Mashpee is full of fun things to do and is home to top-rated schooling at Mashpee High School and Quashnet School.
Sandwich
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Sandwich has a crime rate that is 64.1% lower than the state average and 78.5% lower than the national average. Sandwich is home to some of the best things to do in Cape Cod, such as the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Scusset Beach State Reservation.
Cape Cod Safety Tips – How to Avoid Crime in Cape Cod
Regardless of the Cape Cod crime rate, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe and avoid crime in the area.
- Travel in groups when possible.
- Try not to walk alone at night.
- If you are walking alone, consider carrying pepper spray.
- Take valuables out of your vehicle.
- Lock your doors and windows, especially at night.
- Increase lighting in and around your home.
Cape Cod Police Departments
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Law enforcement on Cape Cod is handled by a combination of local police departments and county-level law enforcement agencies. Each town on the Cape, such as Barnstable, Hyannis, and Falmouth, has its own local police force responsible for patrolling, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes within their jurisdictions.
In addition to the local police departments, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office provides county-wide law enforcement services. The Barnstable Police can be found at 6000 Sheriff’s Place, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542. You can also call them with non-emergencies at (508) 563-4300. You can find and download reports, Cape Cod weekly arrests, and more on their website.
Also working to lower the Cape Cod crime rate is the Massachusetts State Police. They typically help with larger-scale investigations and traffic enforcement on major roads.
Cape Cod Crime Rate FAQ
Is Cape Cod Dangerous?
Cape Cod is not dangerous. With a low overall Cape Cod crime rate, you can expect to feel safe in most areas. However, it is always important to take the proper precautions to keep yourself safe.
Is Cape Cod Safe?
Yes, Cape Cod is safe. With a low Cape Cod crime rate and a strong police force, the area is a very safe place to live.
What Is the Safest Town on Cape Cod?
The town with the lowest Cape Cod crime rate is Sandwich.
Are There Many Cape Cod Murders?
There are not many Cape Cod murders. The Cape Cod town with the highest murder rate is Barnstable, with one murder in 2022.
Trust Vanguard For Your Move to Cape Cod
Is Cape Cod safe? Yes! Now that you know the ins and outs of the Cape Cod crime rate, it’s time to make your move to the area. Vanguard Moving is the best Cape Cod moving company around! Give our reliable Cape Cod movers a call today at (508) 790-9188 to get started with a free quote!
