Sussex County Crime & Safety

Sussex County, Delaware

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1844.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

328.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1516.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

State avg 16/100

State Safety Rank

of 3 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County outperforms national safety averages

Sussex County is the safest region in Delaware, boasting an impressive safety score of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1,844.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight Sussex as a standout for public safety on a national scale.

The safest county in the First State

Sussex County ranks first in safety among Delaware's three counties. Its 97.1 safety score exceeds the statewide average of 96.2 by a notable margin. Law enforcement across 23 reporting agencies maintains the lowest crime rates in the state.

Sussex enjoys lower crime than northern neighbors

Sussex County's crime rate of 1,844.9 per 100K is much lower than Kent's 2,734.1 and New Castle's 2,598.1. This makes Sussex the premier destination for residents seeking a lower-crime environment in Delaware. The county remains the clear regional leader in public security.

Low violent crime rates define the county

Sussex County reports 328.3 violent crimes per 100K, falling below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notably lower at 1,516.6 per 100K, compared to 2,015.7 nationally. These figures confirm that Sussex is safer than the average American community in both major categories.

Maintaining a safe home in Sussex County

While Sussex is very safe, property crime still accounts for the majority of local incidents. Routine safety habits like locking all entry points and using smart home sensors help maintain the county's high safety standing. Community vigilance continues to be the bedrock of Sussex's security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Sussex County, DE?

Sussex County has a total crime rate of 1844.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (328.3 per 100K) and property crimes (1516.6 per 100K).

Is Sussex County, DE safe?

Sussex County has a safety score of 25/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #1 out of 3 counties in Delaware for safety (1 = safest).

How does Sussex County crime compare to the Delaware average?

What types of crime are most common in Sussex County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Sussex County?

Crime data for Sussex County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Sussex County safer than the Delaware average?

Sussex County has a safety score of 25/100, which is above the Delaware average of 16/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.