Derry, NH Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Derry, NH

What is Derry's overall crime grade and how does it compare to other cities?

Derry earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer communities in New Hampshire and well above the national average for towns of similar size. With a population of approximately 33,482 and a population density of just 364 residents per square mile, Derry's suburban spread helps limit the concentration of crime incidents that typically drives up rates in denser urban areas. For context, many comparable New England towns with populations in the 30,000–40,000 range score in the B or C range, making Derry's A- grade a meaningful distinction for prospective residents and families evaluating safety.

What types of crime are most common in Derry, NH?

Like most suburban New Hampshire communities, Derry's crime profile is dominated by property crime rather than violent crime. Theft-related incidents — including motor vehicle theft and larceny — account for the largest share of reported offenses, which is consistent with the town's A- overall grade indicating that serious violent crime remains rare. Vandalism and minor property offenses represent the next most common category. Violent crimes such as aggravated assault are reported at notably low rates relative to national benchmarks. The town's 6.4% poverty rate and median household income of $78,943 — well above the U.S. median — are both socioeconomic indicators that correlate strongly with lower violent crime prevalence.

Is Derry, NH a safe place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, yes. Derry's A- crime grade reflects a community where the vast majority of residents go about daily life without encountering crime. The town's median home value of $263,349 and median household income of $78,943 signal a stable, invested community — both factors associated with lower crime rates in academic research. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is the one economic metric worth monitoring, as elevated joblessness can put upward pressure on property crime over time, but at present it has not meaningfully impacted Derry's strong safety standing. Families, retirees, and professionals consistently rate Derry as one of the more livable towns in Rockingham County.

Which neighborhoods in Derry are considered the safest?

While Derry's A- grade reflects strong safety town-wide, certain areas carry a particularly strong reputation. The East Derry corridor and neighborhoods surrounding Swasey Park are frequently cited by long-term residents for their quiet streets and low incident frequency. Derry Village, the town's historic core, benefits from active foot traffic and community visibility — factors that naturally deter opportunistic property crime. Areas near established school zones also tend to show lower incident density, as community engagement and regular activity patterns contribute to informal neighborhood watch effects. Residents can cross-reference the interactive crime map on this page to compare incident density across these areas using current data.

How does Derry's poverty rate and income level affect its crime statistics?

Derry's 6.4% poverty rate is significantly below the U.S. national average of roughly 12–13%, and its median household income of $78,943 exceeds the national median by a meaningful margin. Research consistently shows that communities with lower poverty rates and higher median incomes experience fewer incidents of both violent and property crime per capita. In Derry's case, these demographics help explain the A- crime grade. The median rent of $1,199 reflects a housing market that, while not inexpensive, remains accessible relative to income levels — reducing housing-instability-related stress that can be a precursor to certain crime types. Together, these figures paint a picture of a financially stable community with the socioeconomic foundation to sustain its strong safety record.

What should residents do to stay informed about crime in Derry?

The most effective approach combines multiple data sources. First, bookmark and regularly check the Derry crime map on this page, which aggregates incident data visually so you can spot any emerging patterns in your specific area — whether that's near East Derry, Derry Village, or the Swasey Park neighborhood. Second, the Derry Police Department's official website publishes community alerts and crime summaries. Third, consider enrolling in a neighborhood watch program — Derry's low population density of 364 people per square mile means neighbors tend to know each other, making community-based crime prevention especially effective. Reporting suspicious activity promptly to Derry PD ensures the data that powers tools like this crime map stays accurate and actionable for everyone.