Jefferson County Crime & Safety

Jefferson County, New York

Safety Score

45/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1228.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

149.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1079.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

45/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#41

of 60 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Jefferson County, New York

Jefferson County Outperforms the National Average

Jefferson County reports 1,228.7 crimes per 100K, which is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.1 out of 100. Fourteen reporting agencies cooperate to maintain this level of public safety.

Meeting the New York State Standard

The county’s crime rate of 1,228.7 is slightly higher than the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 98.1 is nearly identical to the state average of 98.3. This makes Jefferson a typical example of safety and security in the Empire State.

Safe, But More Active Than Neighbors

Jefferson County has a higher crime rate than nearby Franklin County, which sits at 606.8 per 100K. It is also more active than Hamilton County’s low of 117.9. Despite this, it remains a secure regional hub compared to national metropolitan standards.

A Focus on Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is the most frequent challenge here, recorded at 1,079.7 per 100K. Violent crime stands at 149.0 per 100K, which is above the state average of 125.0 but still far below national levels. Understanding these rates helps residents stay informed about local risks.

Proactive Security for Jefferson Residents

With over 1,000 property crimes per 100K, home security remains a worthwhile investment. Visible security cameras and strong entry-point locks can significantly reduce your risk of theft. Community vigilance is the best defense against property-related offenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Jefferson County, NY?

Jefferson County has a total crime rate of 1228.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (149.0 per 100K) and property crimes (1079.7 per 100K).

Is Jefferson County, NY safe?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 45/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #41 out of 60 counties in New York for safety (1 = safest).

How does Jefferson County crime compare to the New York average?

What types of crime are most common in Jefferson County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Jefferson County?

Crime data for Jefferson 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.

What is being done about crime in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 45/100, which is below the New York average of 56/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.