Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in New Hampshire

Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire, often dubbed the Granite State, is a picturesque and compact state situated in northern New England, boasting numerous natural attractions and a relatively low cost of living.

Despite its overall appeal, not all areas in New Hampshire share the same level of safety and tranquility. Certain cities exhibit higher levels of crime and violence, making them less favorable for both residents and visitors.

This article will unveil the five least secure cities in New Hampshire, drawing from the latest FBI crime data available for the year 2023. Additionally, we will compare their crime rates to both the state and national averages and offer some safety tips for navigating these areas.

Manchester

Manchester, New Hampshire, boasts the highest population in the state, with 115,462 residents. However, it holds the distinction of being the most perilous city in New Hampshire, recording a violent crime rate of 4.42 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 22.39 per 1,000 residents.

These figures starkly surpass the state averages of 1.37 for violent crime and 10.63 for property crime. Furthermore, Manchester’s crime rates exceed the national averages of 2.71 for violent crime and 13.94 for property crime.

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Rochester

Rochester, with a population of 31,526, ranks as the second most dangerous city in New Hampshire. It exhibits a violent crime rate of 2.38 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.96 per 1,000 residents.

These figures exceed both state averages (1.37 for violent crime and 10.63 for property crime) and national averages (2.71 for violent crime and 13.94 for property crime).

Situated in the eastern part of the state near the Maine border, Rochester is a city with a rich industrial history and a diverse, expanding population. Despite its historical significance, the city grapples with various social and economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, drug addiction, and domestic violence, contributing to elevated crime rates.

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Conway

Conway, with a population of 10,079, ranks as the third most dangerous city in New Hampshire. It exhibits a violent crime rate of 2.38 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.96 per 1,000 residents—both exceeding the state averages of 1.37 and 10.63, and the national averages of 2.71 and 13.94, respectively.

Situated in the central part of the state near the Vermont border, Conway is a well-frequented tourist destination. The town boasts numerous attractions and activities within the scenic White Mountain National Forest.

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Littleton

Littleton, situated in the western part of New Hampshire close to the Vermont border, holds the position of the fourth most dangerous city in the state, boasting a population of 6,043.

With a violent crime rate of 2.32 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.57 per 1,000 residents, it surpasses the state averages of 1.37 and 10.63, respectively. These rates also exceed the national averages of 2.71 and 13.94.

Despite these concerning statistics, Littleton is characterized by its small size and charm. The city features a historic downtown area and a lively arts and culture scene.

Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Portland, Maine

Laconia

Laconia, with a population of 16,646, ranks as the fifth most dangerous city in New Hampshire. It possesses a violent crime rate of 2.17 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.49 per 1,000 residents.

These rates surpass the state averages of 1.37 and 10.63, respectively, as well as the national averages of 2.71 and 13.94. Situated in the central part of the state, near the border with Maine, Laconia is a picturesque and recreational city adorned with numerous lakes and parks.

Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Madison, Wisconsin

Final Words

New Hampshire boasts scenic beauty and a varied landscape, offering numerous attractions and opportunities for both residents and visitors. Nevertheless, the state is not without its challenges, as certain cities grapple with elevated risks stemming from factors like crime, violence, poverty, and drug-related issues.

This piece delves into the FBI crime data from 2023 to pinpoint the five cities deemed the most perilous in New Hampshire. Crime rates in these areas are juxtaposed against both state and national averages, accompanied by practical safety tips for navigating these locales.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.