Connecticut is generally considered a safe state, but some cities have higher crime rates than others. While the most dangerous cities in Connecticut are generally calmer than those of the more volatile states, it is still a good idea to be vigilant.
Vigilance includes ensuring that houses are properly locked, arming alarms on cars, and avoiding deserted places at night.
Available data generally concentrates on the worst areas, but additional information is starting to become available about other parts of the state.
Most Dangerous Cities In Connecticut
1. New Haven
As one of Connecticut’s largest and most historic cities, New Haven is known for Yale University, but it also has one of the highest crime rates in the state. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, are frequent.
Certain neighborhoods experience higher crime levels, with gang activity and drug-related offenses being reported. While the city has strong law enforcement and community initiatives, crime rates remain a concern, particularly in areas with economic challenges.
2. Hartford
Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut, faces issues with gun violence, gang-related activity, and property crimes. Certain neighborhoods struggle with poverty and unemployment, contributing to crime rates.
Law enforcement works to combat violent crime, but incidents such as home invasions and vehicle theft still occur. Downtown Hartford has seen improvements in safety, yet residential areas still face challenges, particularly after dark.
3. Bridgeport
As Connecticut’s most populous city, Bridgeport has long battled crime concerns. Reports indicate incidents of robbery, assault, and burglaries in certain neighborhoods. While revitalization efforts have improved safety in some areas, gang-related activity and drug offenses remain issues.
The city’s large population and economic disparities play a role in crime rates. Efforts to boost community policing and youth intervention programs aim to reduce crime over time.
4. Waterbury
Waterbury has a reputation for significant property crime, with vehicle theft and burglary being major concerns. While violent crimes like homicide and armed robbery are lower compared to other cities, certain areas still experience criminal activity at a higher rate than the state average.
The city has taken measures to increase law enforcement presence, but economic hardship and unemployment remain contributing factors to crime.
5. Hamden
Hamden experiences crime challenges related to motor vehicle theft and burglaries. While its proximity to New Haven brings economic opportunities, crime occasionally spills over from surrounding areas.
Although violent crime rates are lower than in cities like Hartford or Bridgeport, residents report concerns about break-ins and theft. Law enforcement has increased patrols in certain neighborhoods to address these issues.
6. East Hartford
East Hartford has a crime rate higher than 89% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 675, while property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 44 chance. The city has seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts, burglaries, and larceny cases, making property crime a major concern.
While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention strategies
7. East Haven
East Haven has a crime rate higher than 95% of Connecticut cities, making it one of the more dangerous areas in the state. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 834, while property crime is significantly more common, with a 1 in 38 chance.
Motor vehicle theft is particularly high, ranking among the highest in the nation. While some residents feel safe, others report concerns about crime levels in certain neighborhoods
8. Meriden
Meriden has a crime rate higher than 92% of Connecticut cities, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 2 per 1,000 residents. Property crime is a major issue, with a rate of 24 per 1,000 residents. Motor vehicle theft is particularly concerning, with a high rate compared to other cities.
While crime rates fluctuate, law enforcement continues efforts to curb criminal activity.
9. New Britain
New Britain has one of the highest violent crime rates in Connecticut, with a crime rate higher than 95% of cities in the state. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 201, while property crime is significantly more common, with a 1 in 42 chance.
Motor vehicle theft is a major issue, ranking among the highest in the nation. While crime rates have declined in recent years, certain areas still experience high crime levels.
10. Manchester
Manchester has a crime rate higher than 83% of Connecticut cities. While violent crime is relatively low, property crime is a concern, with a 1 in 56 chance of victimization. The city has seen an increase in thefts and burglaries, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention.
While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates.
11. Stamford
Stamford has a crime rate higher than 72% of Connecticut cities. While it is safer than some larger cities, it still experiences violent crimes such as robbery and assault. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 582, while property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 86 chance.
The city has seen fluctuations in crime rates over the years, with efforts to improve safety through community policing and crime prevention initiatives.
12. Norwalk
Norwalk has a crime rate higher than 79% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 925, while property crime is more common, with a 1 in 65 chance. The city has seen an increase in thefts and burglaries, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention.
While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, leading to concerns among residents.
13. Danbury
Danbury has a crime rate higher than 73% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 463, while property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 88 chance. The city has seen fluctuations in crime rates, with efforts to improve safety through community policing and crime prevention initiatives. While crime rates have declined in recent years, certain areas still experience high crime levels.
14. West Haven
West Haven has a crime rate higher than 82% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,096, while property crime is more common, with a 1 in 59 chance. The city has seen an increase in thefts and burglaries, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention. While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates.
15. Middletown
Middletown has a crime rate higher than 78% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,230, while property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 67 chance. The city has seen fluctuations in crime rates, with efforts to improve safety through community policing and crime prevention initiatives. While crime rates have declined in recent years, certain areas still experience high crime levels.
16. Ansonia
Ansonia has a crime rate higher than 80% of Connecticut cities. While violent crime is relatively low, property crime is a concern, with a 1 in 60 chance of victimization1. The city experiences burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle crimes at a rate above the national average. While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods report higher crime rates, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention strategies.
17. Torrington
Torrington has a crime rate higher than 75% of Connecticut cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 846, while property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 68 chance2. The city has seen fluctuations in crime rates, with efforts to improve safety through community policing and crime prevention initiatives. While crime rates have declined in recent years, certain areas still experience high crime levels.
18. Naugatuck
Naugatuck has a crime rate higher than 73% of Connecticut cities. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is significantly more common3. The city has seen an increase in thefts and burglaries, prompting law enforcement to focus on crime prevention. While some areas are safer, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates.
19. Groton
Groton has a crime rate lower than approximately 41% of Connecticut communities. However, property crime remains a concern, with a rate of 8 per 1,000 residents4. Violent crime is relatively low, but theft and burglary incidents occur frequently. The city has implemented crime prevention measures, but certain areas still experience higher crime levels.
20. Willimantic
Willimantic has a crime rate higher than 38% of U.S. cities. While violent crime has declined, property crime remains an issue, with burglary and theft being the most reported offenses5. The city has seen fluctuations in crime rates, with efforts to improve safety through community policing and crime prevention initiatives.
Summary
These are the most dangerous places in Connecticut; which translates to the places where one needs to be a little more cautious. However, with the proper caution, it seems that even these places can be visited without any incidence.
This is not investment advice; please contact your lawyer or financial adviser before purchasing any property.