Logo

Delaware Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 227 people in Delaware.

  • Delaware's violent crime rate is a bit higher than the national average. It stands at 4.4 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Delaware's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 34.06 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on September 24th, 2024 at 01:36 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Delaware, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Delaware, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Delaware. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Delaware Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number4,41534,17312,436
    Rate per 10004.434.0612.39

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Delaware. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Delaware’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Delaware has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Delaware, the rate of violent crimes is 4.4 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Delaware vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Delaware compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Delaware in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Delaware’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number942933,259570198
    Rate per 10000.090.293.250.570.2
    Population1,003,384

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Delaware

    • Delaware’s murder crime rate is 0.09, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 29%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.29, which is lower than the national average of 0.44 by 34%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 3.25, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 15%.
    • Robbery is not a concern in Delaware, with a crime rate of 0.57, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 10%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.2, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 82%.

    Delaware’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Delaware has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Delaware, the rate of property crimes is 34.06 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Delaware vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Delaware compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Delaware’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number2,3711559,2176415,3951,6095,362
    Rate per 10002.360.159.190.0615.341.65.34
    Population1,003,384

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Delaware

    • Delaware experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.36, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 13%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.15, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 88%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Delaware, with a crime rate of 9.19, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 133%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.06, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 50%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 15.34 in Delaware, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 10%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.6, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 40%.
    • Delaware faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 5.34, which is 514% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Delaware’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number8,9022,227271,280
    Rate per 10008.872.220.031.28
    Population1,003,384

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    Delaware’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in Delaware, with a rate of 8.87, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 128%.
    • Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 2.22, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 174%.

     

    Conclusion

    Delaware has a comparable murder rate to the national average but significantly lower rates of rape and assault. Robbery is less of a concern, while kidnapping is slightly higher. Vandalism is a significant issue, but burglary is relatively low. Theft is higher than the national average, and motor vehicle theft is lower. Identity theft is a major concern, being significantly higher than the national average. Drug offenses and weapon law violations also require attention as they surpass the national average.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.