New Hampshire Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 10 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
128.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1114.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
98/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in New Hampshire
National Context
New Hampshire Ranks Among the Nation's Safest
New Hampshire maintains an exceptionally low profile with a total crime rate of just 1,242.4 per 100K residents. This is nearly 48% lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K. The Granite State consistently performs as one of the safest jurisdictions in the country.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Crimes Predominate Over Violent Offenses
Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 1,114.0 per 100K. Violent crime remains remarkably rare at 128.4 per 100K, which is less than half the national benchmark of 369.8. Residents are roughly nine times more likely to encounter a property-related issue than a violent one.
Safest Counties
Rockingham and Merrimack Lead in Security
Rockingham County is the safest in the state with a total crime rate of 838.0 per 100K, followed by Merrimack at 966.1 and Carroll at 1,144.4. Rockingham stands out for its low violent crime rate of 91.1, nearly 75% below the national average. These counties provide some of the most secure living environments in New England.
Crime Hotspots
Understanding Regional Crime Fluctuations
Belknap County records the highest total crime rate at 1,843.1 per 100K, driven largely by property offenses. Hillsborough County follows at 1,370.4 per 100K and reports the state's highest concentration of violent crime at 180.5 per 100K. Even in these more active regions, crime levels stay significantly below the 2,385.5 national average.
The Takeaway
A High Standard for Public Safety
New Hampshire offers a exceptionally secure environment, with every single county performing better than the national average. Prospective residents can expect low violent crime rates regardless of which county they choose. The data confirms the state remains a premier destination for those prioritizing safety and peace of mind.
Safest Counties
All New Hampshire Counties
| County | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Rockingham County | 99/100 |
| Merrimack County | 99/100 |
| Carroll County | 98/100 |
| Coos County | 98/100 |
| Grafton County | 98/100 |
| Cheshire County | 98/100 |
| Strafford County | 98/100 |
| Sullivan County | 98/100 |
| Hillsborough County | 98/100 |
| Belknap County | 97/100 |
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.