When you dig into New Hampshire's crime statistics, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly: the state is consistently one of the safest in the nation. With violent and property crime rates that are well below national averages, New Hampshire has a public safety record most states would envy.
That said, the most recent figures paint a more complex picture, with some interesting shifts happening under the surface. This guide provides a thoroughly researched look at the data, citing official sources to give you a clear and accurate understanding of safety in the Granite State.
What the Data Says About Safety in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has long had a reputation as a safe place to live, and the numbers absolutely back that up. Looking at the big picture, the state consistently ranks among the lowest in the U.S. for both violent and property-related crimes.
What does that mean in practical terms? It means that, on average, residents here face a significantly lower risk of becoming a victim of crime compared to people in most other states.
This infographic gives you a quick, high-level view of the overall safety landscape in the Granite State.
The visual really underscores the state's peaceful environment, which is a direct reflection of its low crime rates. But to get the full story, you have to look beyond the top-line numbers and see what's happening with the trends.
A Closer Look at Recent Trends
While the overall safety record is strong, the latest New Hampshire crime statistics tell a mixed but revealing story. According to a 2024 analysis of FBI data by SafeWise, the state saw its overall violent crime rate drop by 4.3%, which is obviously great news. But the trend isn't uniform across the board.
We saw significant drops in several serious categories:
- Murder was down by a staggering 44.4%.
- Rape decreased by 9.4%.
- Robbery fell by a substantial 24.1%.
Here’s the twist: assaults actually increased by 5.5% during the same period. It's a clear signal that not all violent crime is moving in the same direction.
This highlights a critical point: broad crime statistics often mask specific, counter-directional trends. A decrease in one area can be offset by an increase in another, which is why a more detailed analysis is crucial to fully understand public safety dynamics.
The property crime situation is just as nuanced. Based on the same FBI data, New Hampshire ranked 49th for property crime, with only 918 offenses per 100,000 people—reinforcing its status as one of the safest states in the country.
Even with that incredibly low baseline, property crime actually ticked up slightly by 0.66%, while the national average saw a 9% decrease. This small bump was driven by a 2% rise in larceny-theft and a 0.31% increase in motor vehicle theft, even as burglaries plunged by 17.6%. You can explore more detailed state-level crime comparisons to see how these figures stack up nationally.
New Hampshire Crime Statistics At A Glance
To make sense of these moving parts, here’s a quick summary table that puts the key changes into perspective. All data is from the most recent analysis of FBI crime statistics.
| Crime Category | Recent Change in NH (%) | National Average Change (%) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | -4.3% | – | Overall positive trend, but an increase in assaults shows a mixed picture. |
| Murder | -44.4% | – | A dramatic and welcome decrease in the most serious violent offenses. |
| Property Crime | +0.66% | -9.0% | A slight local increase against a strong national downward trend is worth watching. |
| Burglary | -17.6% | – | A significant drop, indicating improved security or effective policing strategies. |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | +0.31% | – | A minor increase, but still a point of concern for residents and law enforcement. |
This table shows that while New Hampshire remains exceptionally safe, the dynamics are always shifting. Staying on top of these specific trends is key for both policymakers and the public.
The Story Behind New Hampshire's Violent Crime Trends
To really understand public safety in New Hampshire, you have to look beyond a single year's stats and see the bigger picture. The story told by the state's violent crime data, especially over the last decade, is one of remarkable progress punctuated by some stubborn challenges.
When you zoom out and look at the period from 2012 to 2022, a stunning trend comes into focus. According to an analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice, New Hampshire managed to cut its overall violent crime rate by an incredible 41%. This wasn't just a small dip; it was a massive achievement that left the rest of the country in the dust.
For context, the national decline in violent crime during that same decade was just 2%. The numbers from 2022 drive the point home: the state's violent crime rate was only 126 per 100,000 residents. That’s a full 67% lower than the national average of 381. This is a story of a state getting safer, year after year. For a deeper dive, the complete criminal justice data snapshot lays out the full breakdown.
Deconstructing the Decline
So where did this huge drop come from? It wasn't one single thing, but rather major headway in two of the most serious categories that shape how safe people feel in their communities: robbery and aggravated assault.
Looking again at that 2012 to 2022 timeframe, the progress was undeniable:
- Robbery rates plummeted by 55%: A drop this sharp in confrontational theft has a huge impact on public safety and peace of mind.
- Aggravated assault rates fell by 52%: Cutting serious physical assaults in half is a cornerstone of New Hampshire's improved safety profile.
These figures, sourced from the Council on Criminal Justice's analysis of FBI UCR data, aren't just abstract numbers. They represent thousands of violent incidents that never happened, making communities across the Granite State safer places to live and work.
Examining the Counter-Trends
But the story isn't all positive. Even in a state as safe as New Hampshire, a closer look at the data reveals some complex and troubling counter-trends that demand attention.
The most glaring exception to the downward trend is homicide. From 2012 to 2022, while other violent crimes were falling, the homicide rate in New Hampshire actually increased by 58%. It’s important to remember that the total number of homicides here is still very low compared to other states. Still, that percentage jump is a serious signal that policymakers and law enforcement are taking to heart.
The rape rate also rose over the decade, climbing by 8%. This number needs some context. In 2013, the FBI broadened its definition of rape, which makes a straight apples-to-apples comparison over the decade tricky. Nevertheless, any upward movement in such a serious crime is a critical data point for public safety officials.
These counter-trends highlight a crucial concept in crime analysis: a state can become dramatically safer overall while still facing specific, serious challenges that require more resources and new strategies. A low crime rate doesn't grant immunity from complex problems.
This is the dual reality of public safety in New Hampshire—celebrating real, hard-won progress while staying focused on the work that remains. The reasons for these increases are complex, tied to everything from the opioid crisis to changing social dynamics. Understanding how the state manages its incarcerated population is also part of this picture; you can learn more about the challenges and innovations in New Hampshire prisons in our detailed report on https://granitestatereport.com/2025/09/19/new-hampshire-prisons-in-2025-challenges-and-innovations-ahead/. This broader context is essential for crafting smart, effective public safety policy for the years ahead.
A Deeper Look at Property Crime in the Granite State
Picture a calm New Hampshire neighborhood: manicured lawns, friendly waves—and yet the question lingers, “How safe is my home?” Violent crime grabs the headlines, but property crime statistics reveal the day-to-day experience of residents. For years, the Granite State has boasted one of the nation’s lowest property crime rates, a source of real civic pride.
Recent data, however, tell a slightly different story. After decades of steady decline, overall property crime ticked upward—running against the national trend. To understand what’s really happening, we need to unpack the three main categories: burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.
The Nuances Of New Hampshire Property Crime
Think of property crime as a three-legged stool. If one leg shortens, the whole thing wobbles. In New Hampshire, that wobble shows exactly where security efforts are working—and where gaps remain.
Recent shifts, based on FBI data, break down like this:
- Burglary: Down by a striking 17.6%, a clear win for improved home alarms, neighborhood watches, and targeted policing.
- Larceny-Theft: Up 2%, driven by everything from shoplifting to bicycle snatches, a reminder that opportunity is often the thief’s best friend.
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Rising by 0.31%, a modest uptick but enough to keep car owners checking their locks twice.
This patchwork of increases and decreases makes a single “property crime” figure misleading. It’s like reading only the headline of a novel—you miss the plot twists.
Resident Perceptions Versus Reality
Numbers tell one tale. Feelings tell another. A recent State of Safety survey by SafeWise showed that Granite Staters worry less than most Americans about property crime—yet personal encounters are climbing.
According to the survey, 27% of residents reported a personal experience with property crime, up from 21% last year.
In other words, even with a low overall rate, one in four people has felt the sting of stolen or damaged property. That gap between perception and reality is significant. More than ever, homeowners are taking action:
- 40% of residents have installed new security measures.
- Security cameras top their list of investments.
To dive deeper into how New Hampshirites really feel about safety, check out the full survey on how residents perceive safety.
What Is Driving The Trends
Explaining these shifts isn’t as simple as blaming one factor. Instead, multiple forces pull together:
- Enhanced home-security technology and focused patrols likely drove down burglaries to historic lows. Towns like New Boston and Hollis even reported zero break-ins in the latest figures.
- Economic pressures and the allure of quick, low-risk gains may be nudging thieves toward larceny and vehicle theft.
Put another way, New Hampshire is like a fortress with a few weak gates. We’ve shored up one entrance—but others remain exposed. The lesson? Even in one of America’s safest states, vigilance and community engagement must never slacken.
Understanding Gun Violence Data in New Hampshire
Gun violence is a tough, complicated subject, even in a state like New Hampshire that’s known for being one of the safest in the country. While we have one of the lowest firearm homicide rates in the United States, digging into the data reveals a far more challenging picture.
It’s a story of contrasts. A place can be relatively safe from violent crime but still face a significant, ongoing public health crisis. To really get it, we have to look past the headlines and into the specific numbers that define the problem right here in the Granite State.
The Anatomy of Gun Violence in the State
When people hear "gun violence," their minds usually jump to homicides. But in New Hampshire, the data tells a starkly different story. The overwhelming majority of gun deaths here are suicides. This single fact completely changes how we should think about the problem and what kinds of solutions might actually work.
This isn’t just a statistical footnote; it’s the heart of the matter. While every homicide is a tragedy, the sheer volume of firearm suicides points to a pressing public health crisis—one that’s deeply connected to mental healthcare, access to resources, and community support.
A critical takeaway from New Hampshire's gun violence data is that the narrative is dominated by self-harm. This shifts the focus from solely a criminal justice issue to a broader public health challenge, requiring a different set of interventions and prevention strategies.
Getting this dynamic right is the first step toward having a more honest and effective conversation about firearm safety and prevention. It allows us to move beyond national debates and focus on the real challenges facing our communities.
A Data-Driven Look at the Numbers
The latest statistics lay the issue bare. While New Hampshire stacks up well against other states, a look at the last decade shows a concerning trend: the state’s overall gun death rate climbed by 10% from 2014 to 2023.
In 2023 alone, the state saw 143 gun deaths. The breakdown from public health data is what’s truly revealing:
- Suicides: 122 of those deaths were suicides, making up a staggering 85% of the total.
- Homicides: 14 deaths were homicides, accounting for just under 10%.
- Other Causes: 7 deaths were from other causes, like accidental discharges or cases where the intent was undetermined.
Even with these numbers, New Hampshire still holds the 9th lowest rate for gun deaths in the nation. But the data also shows that the burden isn't shared equally. Research from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions shows that between 2019 and 2023, males were twice as likely to die from gun homicide as females. Certain areas have also become hotspots, with Hillsborough and Merrack counties accounting for nearly half of all gun homicides during that period. You can dig into the numbers yourself by reviewing the in-depth analysis of New Hampshire gun violence statistics.
The numbers on suicide and homicide are deeply intertwined, and it's important to understand both. Here's a quick look at the data, showing where the primary problem lies and where homicides are most concentrated.
Gun Deaths in New Hampshire by Type and Location
| Category | Statistic | Source/Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide Share of Gun Deaths | 85% | Johns Hopkins/CDC, 2023 |
| Homicide Share of Gun Deaths | 10% | Johns Hopkins/CDC, 2023 |
| Homicide Hotspot Counties | Hillsborough & Merrimack | Johns Hopkins, 2019-2023 |
| Male vs. Female Homicide Risk | Males 2x More Likely | Johns Hopkins, 2019-2023 |
This data makes it clear: while homicides are a serious concern, especially in specific counties, the dominant issue by a huge margin is suicide. This shapes everything from policy discussions to prevention efforts.
The Staggering Economic Impact
Beyond the tragic human cost, gun violence imposes a massive economic burden on every single resident of New Hampshire. These aren't just one-time costs; they ripple through our healthcare and criminal justice systems for years, and they drag on the economy through lost productivity.
The total financial toll for New Hampshire is estimated by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety to be $1.5 billion every year. When you break that down, it comes out to an average cost of about $1,107 per person, per year.
This isn't an abstract number. It's built from real-world expenses that follow every single incident.
| Category of Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Immediate Costs | Includes ambulance services, police response, emergency room care, and initial investigations. |
| Long-Term Healthcare | Covers ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, mental health support, and disability services for survivors. |
| Criminal Justice System | Encompasses costs related to police investigations, court proceedings, legal fees, and incarceration. |
| Lost Economic Productivity | Represents the loss of income and contributions to the economy from victims who are killed or permanently disabled. |
These figures make it plain that gun violence isn't just a public safety problem—it's a significant economic drain. Tackling the root causes is not only about building healthier communities but also about fostering a stronger state economy.
How New Hampshire's Crime Rates Stack Up in New England
New Hampshire’s low crime rates are impressive, but the numbers don't tell the whole story on their own. To really get a feel for what they mean, we need to zoom out and look at the neighborhood. Is the Granite State a uniquely safe island, or is this just a case of a rising tide lifting all boats in New England?
When you compare New Hampshire crime statistics to its neighbors, a clear picture comes into focus. The state is part of a regional bloc that, as a whole, is significantly safer than most of the country. But even in this secure corner of the nation, New Hampshire consistently stands out.
Violent Crime Across the Region
When it comes to violent crime, New Hampshire often takes the top spot for the lowest rates in New England—a remarkable achievement. States like Maine and Vermont also post incredibly low numbers, creating what you might call a "safety pocket" in the northeastern U.S.
Massachusetts, with its major urban centers like Boston, naturally has higher violent crime rates than its northern neighbors. Even so, its figures often fall below the national average. This tells us that while New Hampshire benefits from being in a safe region, its own specific policies, community fabric, and law enforcement strategies are doing some heavy lifting to keep it at the head of the pack.
Think of it like this: New England is a top-performing school district. All the schools are good, but New Hampshire is consistently the valedictorian when it comes to low violent crime. That distinction suggests factors unique to the state are playing a huge role in its success.
The state’s ability to keep violent crime so low, even compared to its already-safe neighbors, really underscores the effectiveness of its local approach. It's a feeling shared by residents, too. A SafeWise survey found that 58% of Granite Staters feel safe, a sentiment echoed in Vermont (60%), Massachusetts (61%), and Maine (62%), pointing to a collective sense of security across the region.
A Deeper Look: Homicide and Gun Violence
Where New Hampshire truly pulls away from the pack is in its firearm homicide rate. The numbers here are startling. According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, New Hampshire has the lowest age-adjusted firearm homicide rate in the entire United States, at just 1.1 per 100,000 people.
That isn't just the best in the region; it's the best in the nation. To put that figure into a global perspective:
- New Hampshire's rate is 77 times lower than Germany's and 33 times lower than Australia's.
- However, even as the lowest in the U.S., our rate is still three times higher than the highest rate found in Europe (which is Cyprus, at 0.36 per 100,000).
This data reveals a powerful dual reality. New Hampshire is exceptionally safe from gun homicides by any American standard, yet it's still a world away from the rates seen in many other developed nations. You can dig into the global context in this detailed report on U.S. gun violence.
Looking at the regional numbers solidifies New Hampshire's status as a true outlier. It’s not just safe for New England; it’s a national leader in public safety, setting a benchmark that other states often look to.
What These Statistics Mean for You
It's easy to get lost in the numbers, but behind every percentage point is a story about community safety. For anyone living in the Granite State, the wealth of New Hampshire crime statistics we've dug into paints a clear picture: you live in one of the safest states in the nation, but that doesn't mean the work is done.
The data consistently shows that New Hampshire enjoys exceptionally low rates of both violent and property crime when stacked up against the rest of the country. This isn't a fluke; it's a long-term trend built on effective local policing, strong communities, and regional stability. For the average person, this translates to a much lower chance of facing crimes like robbery, assault, or burglary in your daily life.
Key Takeaways for Residents
So, what should you actually do with this information? While overall safety is high, the slight uptick in property crime—specifically larceny and vehicle theft—is a good reminder that basic vigilance still matters. It reinforces the simple wisdom of locking your car and securing your belongings.
The gun violence data, on the other hand, points to a very specific public health challenge, not a crime wave.
- A Mental Health Crisis: The fact that 85% of gun deaths are suicides tells a powerful story. New Hampshire’s primary gun violence issue is rooted in mental health, not street crime.
- Targeted Homicide Risk: While thankfully rare, homicides tend to be more concentrated in areas like Hillsborough and Merrimack counties. This suggests a need for focused community resources rather than a statewide panic.
This kind of detailed understanding helps us move the conversation from vague fears to specific, solvable problems.
Policy, Prevention, and Public Awareness
These trends aren't just interesting facts; they are the very tools that shape public policy and community action. For lawmakers and law enforcement, this data highlights precisely where to direct resources. The rise in assaults, for example, might spark new strategies for conflict resolution or more targeted patrols where they're needed most.
The real power of crime statistics isn’t just in looking back at what happened. It’s in using that knowledge to get ahead of the problem. By understanding what is happening and where, communities can shift from reacting to crime to proactively addressing its root causes.
This data-driven approach is already visible in legislative debates. Discussions around criminal justice reform, like the proposed overhaul of the bail magistrate system, are deeply informed by these very statistics. To learn more about that specific legislative push, you can read our deep dive into the 2025 bail magistrates overhaul.
Ultimately, the story of crime in New Hampshire is one of remarkable success paired with targeted challenges. For residents, this means you can enjoy a high degree of safety while staying informed and engaged on the specific issues that will define the state's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digging into New Hampshire crime statistics always brings up a few common questions. If you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or just trying to get a clearer picture of the Granite State, these answers should help connect the dots.
What Is the Safest Town in New Hampshire?
While "safety" can be defined in a few ways, the data consistently shows that the state's smaller towns are exceptionally safe. Places like Nottingham and Deerfield, for instance, reported zero violent crimes in the latest FBI data submissions, making them real standouts.
Other communities like Chester, Rye, and Auburn also hit that remarkable milestone of no reported violent crimes. It reinforces a clear trend: New Hampshire's safest spots are often its smaller, more tight-knit communities.
Why Does New Hampshire Have Such Low Crime Rates?
There's no single silver bullet, but rather a mix of ingredients that contribute to the state's impressive safety record. Researchers usually point to a few key factors working together.
- Strong Community Cohesion: People in close-knit local communities tend to look out for one another, creating a sense of shared responsibility.
- Favorable Demographics: Things like a higher median age and a stable population often correlate with lower crime rates.
- Economic Stability: With relatively low unemployment and higher median incomes, the economic pressures that can sometimes drive crime are reduced.
- Effective Local Policing: Many towns focus on community-oriented policing, which helps build trust and often stops crime before it even starts.
It's a complex formula, but it creates a culture of public safety that has held for decades. The state's low crime rate isn't an accident; it's a product of its unique social, economic, and geographic character.
Where Does the Crime Data Come From?
The official numbers we rely on come straight from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. Police and sheriff's departments across New Hampshire voluntarily send their crime data to this national system.
That information is then gathered and analyzed to produce the statewide and national reports we've been looking at. It's the most reliable source we have, but it's worth remembering that reporting isn't always perfect—some smaller towns might not submit data every single year.
Are There Other Public Safety Concerns Besides Crime?
Absolutely. Public safety is a much bigger picture than just traditional crime stats. As our analysis on gun violence revealed, one of the most significant issues is the state's high rate of suicide, which accounts for the vast majority of all firearm deaths.
Another critical area is the challenge of missing persons. Understanding the patterns behind these cases and how authorities respond is a vital part of the broader public safety discussion. You can learn more in our detailed coverage of missing persons in New Hampshire.
At Granite State Report, we believe in providing the in-depth, factual reporting New Hampshire residents need to stay informed on the issues that matter. From public safety to state politics, our work is dedicated to fostering a more engaged and knowledgeable community. Visit us at https://granitestatereport.com to explore more of our investigative journalism.
