Is New Haven or Waterbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterbury is safer than New Haven (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100,000 versus 4,123 for New Haven — 21% lower. New Haven has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterbury has a 42% lower rate.
New Haven — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waterbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Haven | Waterbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,123.3 | 3,241.1 | +882.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 536.3 | 322.5 | +213.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 6.9 | +4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 32.1 | 44.2 | -12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 180.7 | 104.9 | +75.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 311.1 | 166.4 | +144.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,587.1 | 2,918.6 | +668.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 377.4 | 229.7 | +147.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,402.3 | 2,054.4 | +347.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 807.3 | 634.5 | +172.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Haven or Waterbury safer?
Waterbury is safer with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100K vs 4,123 for New Haven — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Haven has a violent crime rate of 536.3 per 100K while Waterbury has 322.5. Waterbury has lower violent crime.
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.
About Waterbury, CT
Waterbury, once a brass manufacturing hub, is a city in New Haven County. Situated on the Naugatuck River, it's home to a diverse population and distinct neighborhoods. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 115,363, Waterbury has a total crime rate of 3,241.1 per 100,000 residents.