Chittenden County Crime & Safety

Chittenden County, Vermont

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3215.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

261.4

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2954.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

State avg 46/100

State Safety Rank

#14

of 14 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Chittenden County, Vermont

Safety context for Vermont's population center

Chittenden County holds a safety score of 94.9, which is higher than many urban areas but lower than the Vermont average. Its total crime rate of 3,215.5 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Vermont's highest regional crime rate

As the state's most populous county, Chittenden's crime rate of 3,215.5 is more than double the Vermont state average. Its safety score of 94.9 sits below the state average of 97.8.

Significant contrast with nearby counties

Chittenden County reports significantly higher crime rates than neighboring Addison and Grand Isle counties. With 14 reporting agencies, the county provides the most comprehensive data coverage in the state.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,954.1 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime remains relatively low at 261.4, well below the U.S. average of 369.8.

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Given the higher property crime rates, modern security cameras and smart locks provide valuable protection. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity play a key role in keeping Chittenden safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Chittenden County, VT?

Chittenden County has a total crime rate of 3215.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (261.4 per 100K) and property crimes (2954.1 per 100K).

Is Chittenden County, VT safe?

Chittenden County has a safety score of 6/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #14 out of 14 counties in Vermont for safety (1 = safest).

How does Chittenden County crime compare to the Vermont average?

As the state's most populous county, Chittenden's crime rate of 3,215.5 is more than double the Vermont state average. Its safety score of 94.9 sits below the state average of 97.8.

What types of crime are most common in Chittenden County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Chittenden County?

Crime data for Chittenden 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 Chittenden County?

Chittenden County has a safety score of 6/100, which is below the Vermont average of 46/100. 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.