Is Hamden or New Haven Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hamden is safer than New Haven (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,549 per 100,000 versus 4,123 for New Haven — 14% lower. Hamden has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hamden has a 85% lower rate.
Note: New Haven is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hamden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Haven — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hamden, CT
New Haven, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hamden | New Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,548.8 | 4,123.3 | -574.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 430.7 | 536.3 | -105.6 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 10.9 | -9.3 |
| Rape Rate | 8.4 | 32.1 | -23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.1 | 180.7 | -125.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 365.6 | 311.1 | +54.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,118.1 | 3,587.1 | -469.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 212.0 | 377.4 | -165.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,176.7 | 2,402.3 | -225.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 729.5 | 807.3 | -77.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamden or New Haven safer?
Hamden is safer with a total crime rate of 3,549 per 100K vs 4,123 for New Haven — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hamden has a violent crime rate of 430.7 per 100K while New Haven has 536.3. Hamden has lower violent crime.
About Hamden, CT
Hamden, a vibrant town bordering New Haven, is home to Quinnipiac University. Nestled at the foot of the Sleeping Giant mountain, it boasts a diverse population and a blend of suburban and more rural areas. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 59,908, Hamden has a total crime rate of 3,548.8 per 100,000 residents.
About New Haven, CT
Home to Yale University since 1701, New Haven is a coastal city in south-central Connecticut. Its diverse population is roughly 135,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 137,243, New Haven has a total crime rate of 4,123.3 per 100,000 residents.