Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Connecticut
Connecticut is known for its picturesque towns, but it's essential to consider safety when choosing a place to live. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in Connecticut, we examine crime statistics to provide insights into safety conditions. Please note that crime rates may have changed since our last update in September 2021.
1. New Haven
New Haven, CT
While New Haven offers excitement, it had the highest crime rates in the state in 2012. Residents were nearly 14 times more likely to be victims of crime in New Haven than in Darien. New Haven reported the most total crimes, including the highest number of violent and property crimes per person. It also ranked third for the highest number of murders per person compared to other places in Connecticut.
2. Hartford
Hartford, CT
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and had elevated crime rates in 2012. It reported a particularly high number of violent crimes, totaling 10,479, with 129 murders. Despite its large population, Hartford had the highest number of violent crimes and the fifth-highest number of murders per person. Additionally, it reported 44,606 property crimes, resulting in the fifth-highest number of total crimes per person in the state.
3. Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
As the largest city in Connecticut, Bridgeport was also one of the most dangerous places. In 2012, it had the second-highest number of murders per person. Bridgeport's high crime rate stemmed from the fourth most violent crimes (including murders, rapes, assaults, and robberies) and the fifth most property crimes (burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts) per person.
4. New London
New London, CT
New London reported the second-highest number of violent crimes per person in 2012, with the majority being assaults and robberies. This city also had the fourth most murders in Connecticut—11 per every 100,000 people, or 0.00011 per person.
5. Waterbury
Waterbury, CT
Waterbury ranked second overall for its high number of property crimes per person in 2012, primarily thefts and burglaries. Due to these property crimes, it had the fourth-highest number of total crimes, resulting in residents having a 1 in 22 chance of being crime victims.
6. New Britain
New Britain, CT
New Britain had the fourth-highest number of property crimes per person in 2012. It also reported a relatively high number of violent crimes per person, primarily robberies followed by assaults. Unfortunately, the city had more murders per person than many other places in the state.
7. East Hartford
East Hartford, CT
East Hartford ranked seventh for its number of violent crimes per person in 2012, with most of them being robberies. The city also reported a high number of property crimes, particularly thefts and burglaries, ranking eighth in this category. Residents had a 1 in 29 chance of being crime victims.
8. Meriden
Meriden, CT
While Meriden didn't rank the worst for overall crimes per person, it had the fifth-highest number of murders per person, tying with another city. In 2012, there were eight murders per 100,000 people in Meriden, while many places in the state reported zero.
9. Derby
Derby, CT
With just under 13,000 residents, Derby tied for the fifth-highest number of murders per person in 2012. The city also reported a high number of property crimes, including thefts and burglaries, ranking seventh in this category. Derby residents had a 1 in 30 chance of being crime victims.
10. Manchester
Manchester, CT
Manchester secured the final spot on our list due to its high number of property crimes and total crimes in 2012. The city had the sixth most property crimes per person in the state, primarily thefts, burglaries, and vehicle thefts. Additionally, it ranked 15th in both murders and violent crimes per person, resulting in an overall ranking of the 10th most crimes per person in Connecticut. Residents here had a 1 in 31 chance of being crime victims.