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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Concord, the capital city of New Hampshire, has experienced significant changes in its property crime landscape over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of property crimes decreased by 51%, from 1,225 to 600 incidents. This substantial reduction occurred alongside a modest population growth of 2.6%, from 42,934 in 2010 to 44,049 in 2022.
Burglary rates in the city have shown a notable decline over the years. In 2010, there were 167 burglaries, which decreased to 22 in 2022, representing an 86.8% reduction. When adjusted for population, the burglary rate fell from 3.89 per 1,000 residents in 2010 to 0.50 per 1,000 in 2022. Interestingly, while the number of burglaries decreased, the city's share of state burglaries fluctuated. It peaked at 12.44% in 2021 before dramatically dropping to 3.97% in 2022, suggesting a significant improvement in burglary prevention relative to the rest of the state.
Larceny-theft, the most common property crime in the city, also saw a considerable decrease. In 2010, there were 1,039 incidents, which reduced to 538 in 2022, a 48.2% decrease. The rate per 1,000 residents dropped from 24.2 in 2010 to 12.2 in 2022. The city's share of state larceny-theft incidents remained relatively stable, hovering around 9-10% throughout most of the period, with a slight decrease to 7.84% in 2022.
Motor vehicle theft trends have been more variable. The number of incidents increased from 19 in 2010 to 40 in 2022, a 110.5% increase. However, when considering population growth, the rate per 1,000 residents increased from 0.44 in 2010 to 0.91 in 2022. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts fluctuated significantly, reaching a high of 11.83% in 2016 before settling at 7.45% in 2022.
Arson cases in the city have shown fluctuations over the years. From 12 incidents in 2010, the number decreased to 8 in 2022, a 33.3% reduction. The rate per 1,000 residents decreased slightly from 0.28 in 2010 to 0.18 in 2022. However, the city's share of state arson cases increased from 6.98% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2022, indicating that arson reduction in the city has not kept pace with state-wide improvements.
A strong correlation exists between property crime trends and median income. As the median income increased from $67,408 in 2013 to $81,404 in 2022, total property crimes decreased from 1,024 to 600. This suggests that improved economic conditions may contribute to lower crime rates.
Population density showed a weak correlation with property crime trends, increasing slightly from 665 people per square mile in 2013 to 688 in 2022, while property crimes decreased. Home ownership rates remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 53% and 57% during this period, showing no strong correlation with crime trends.
Racial distribution changes were minimal, with the white population decreasing slightly from 91% in 2013 to 86% in 2022, while other racial groups saw small increases. These changes do not show a strong correlation with property crime trends.
Applying predictive models based on the observed trends, we can forecast that by 2029 (five years from now), total property crimes could potentially decrease further to around 500 incidents annually. Burglaries may continue their downward trend, potentially reaching as low as 15 incidents per year. Larceny-theft is likely to remain the most common property crime but could decrease to approximately 450 cases annually. Motor vehicle thefts may stabilize around 35-40 incidents per year, while arson cases could potentially decrease to 5-6 annually.
In summary, Concord has made significant strides in reducing property crime over the past decade, particularly in burglary and larceny-theft. The city's improving economic conditions, as reflected in rising median incomes, appear to be a key factor in this positive trend. While challenges remain, particularly in motor vehicle theft and arson, the overall trajectory suggests a safer urban environment. These improvements, coupled with modest population growth, indicate that Concord is evolving into a more secure and prosperous community.