Carroll County is situated in the heart of New Hampshire along the eastern border, bordered by the White Mountain National Forest to the north and Lake Winnipesaukee to the south.
Although Carroll County is generally considered a safe place for residents and visitors, there are certain areas within the county that exhibit higher crime rates than others.
How Does the Crime Rate Compare to Other Counties in New Hampshire?
Based on the 2019 FBI data, Carroll County exhibits a lower crime rate compared to the average crime rate in New Hampshire. The crime rate is determined by combining the incidences of violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Specifically, Carroll County’s crime rate stands at 1,146.4, while New Hampshire’s overall crime rate is higher at 1,370.3. The following table provides a comparative overview of crime rates in Carroll County and other counties in New Hampshire:
| County | Crime Rate |
| Carroll | 1,146.40 |
| Belknap | 1,223.50 |
| Cheshire | 1,249.80 |
| Coos | 1,253.70 |
| Grafton | 1,259.40 |
| Merrimack | 1,263.20 |
| Rockingham | 1,276.90 |
| Strafford | 1,317.80 |
| Sullivan | 1,331.80 |
| Hillsborough | 1,457.60 |
As evident, Carroll County boasts the lowest crime rate among the 10 counties in New Hampshire. Conversely, Hillsborough County holds the highest crime rate at 1,457.6.
The variance between Carroll County’s and Hillsborough County’s crime rates is 311.2, signifying that Hillsborough County has 27.1% more crimes per 100,000 residents compared to Carroll County.
Moving on, let’s identify the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Carroll County, as per the 2019 crime statistics.
Ossipee
Ossipee serves as the county seat of Carroll County and stands as the largest town in the region. With a population of 4,733, it exhibits a crime index of 26.6, surpassing the state average of 19.9. In 2019, Ossipee recorded 113.6 violent crimes and 795.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Among violent crimes, rape was the most prevalent at 68.2 cases per 100,000 people, followed by robbery and assault, each with 22.7 cases. Regarding property crimes, larceny ranked highest with 613.5 cases per 100,000 people, trailed by burglary and auto theft, each with 90.9 cases.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Grafton County, New Hampshire
Madison
Madison is situated in the eastern region of Carroll County, close to the Maine border. With a population of 2,329, the town has a crime index of 29.3, surpassing the state average.
In 2019, Madison recorded 114.8 violent crimes and 1,071.6 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Larceny was the most prevalent property crime, with 878.6 cases per 100,000 people, followed by burglary at 193 cases.
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Tamworth
Tamworth, situated in the southern section of Carroll County near the Belknap County border, is home to a population of 3,009. The town has a crime index of 20.5, slightly above the state average.
In 2019, Tamworth recorded 65 incidents of violent crime and 455 instances of property crime per 100,000 residents. Assault was the most prevalent violent crime, with a rate of 46.1 cases per 100,000 people, followed by rape at 18.9 cases.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Nez Perce County, Idaho
Effingham
Effingham is situated in the northern region of Carroll County, close to the Maine border. With a population of 1,439, the town has a crime index of 13.4. Although this is below the state average, it is higher than certain other towns in the county.
In 2019, Effingham reported 67.6 violent crimes and 67.6 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Assault was the most prevalent violent crime, with 55.4 cases per 100,000 people, followed by rape, with 13.9 cases.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in Texas
Tuftonboro
Tuftonboro is situated in the western part of Carroll County, near the border with Belknap County. It has a population of 2,372 and a crime index of 13.8, which is lower than the state average but still higher than some other towns in the county.
In 2019, Tuftonboro reported 41.4 violent crimes and 497.1 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Assault was the most common violent crime, with 33.6 cases per 100,000 people, followed by rape, with 8.4 cases.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Poorest City in Michigan
Final Words
Here are the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Carroll County, New Hampshire, based on the most recent crime data. It’s crucial to recognize that crime rates can fluctuate annually and across different locations, with numerous factors impacting community safety.
As a result, it’s recommended to exercise caution and use common sense when either visiting or residing in any area. If you come across any suspicious or criminal activities, promptly report them to local authorities. Prioritize safety while appreciating the picturesque landscapes and attractions that Carroll County boasts.
