Nestled in western New Hampshire, bordering Vermont, Sullivan County is known for its scenic beauty and rich history. However, beneath this picturesque facade lies a more complex reality. Despite the county’s overall low crime rates compared to the national average, certain neighborhoods stand out for their higher crime incidents.
Sullivan County’s Crime Statistics
In 2020, Sullivan County reported a violent crime rate of 146.4 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than New Hampshire’s state average of 208.7. This positioned the county as having the second-lowest violent crime rate in the state.
Property crime rates also reflected a similar trend, with the county recording 1,480.8 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019, well below the state average of 1,910.3. Furthermore, Sullivan County had the lowest homicide rate in New Hampshire at 0.9 per 100,000 people in 2020.
1. Claremont: A Mix of Industry and Elevated Crime
Claremont, the largest city in Sullivan County with approximately 13,000 residents, juxtaposes its rich industrial and cultural history with concerning crime statistics. In 2018, it recorded 448.6 violent crimes and 1,910.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents, surpassing state and national averages and ranking in the bottom 10% of U.S. cities for crime.
2. Newport’s Historical Charm and Crime Challenges
Newport, the county seat, while celebrated for its historic downtown, reported high crime rates in 2019. With 94.5 violent crimes and 1,480.8 property crimes per 100,000 residents, it exceeded the state average, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. cities in crime rates.
3. Charlestown: Historic Beauty with a Crime Concern
Charlestown, home to 5,000 residents and known for its 18th and 19th-century buildings, also faces crime rate issues. In 2019, the town experienced 160.1 violent crimes and 360.1 property crimes per 100,000 residents, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. towns for crime rates.
4. Sunapee: Serene Yet Struggling with Property Crimes
Sunapee, a town known for its ski resort and state park, reported no violent crimes in 2019 but had a property crime rate of 544.6 per 100,000 residents. This placed it above the state average and in the bottom 40% of U.S. towns for crime rates.
5. Cornish: Rural Tranquility Meets Moderate Crime Rates
Cornish, with around 1,600 residents, boasts a rural charm but faces moderate crime issues. In 2019, it reported zero violent crimes but 431.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents, exceeding the state average and placing it in the lower 50% of U.S. towns in terms of crime severity.
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Conclusion
While Sullivan County overall enjoys low crime rates, these five neighborhoods highlight the varying degrees of safety challenges within the county. It’s a reminder that vigilance and proactive safety measures are essential everywhere. For the most current crime statistics and public safety information in Sullivan County, the New Hampshire Crime Statistics website offers valuable resources.