Groton, CT Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Groton, CT

What is Groton's overall crime grade?

Groton, CT earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026, meaning it performs better than a significant share of U.S. cities of comparable size. For a coastal Connecticut town with a population of roughly 38,634 residents, a B- grade reflects a community where crime exists but remains manageable relative to national benchmarks. Property crimes — particularly vehicle theft and burglary — tend to drive the grade down slightly, while violent crime rates remain comparatively restrained. Residents in neighborhoods near Groton Long Point and Poquonnock Plains generally experience conditions consistent with the higher end of that B- range.

How does Groton's crime rate compare to other Connecticut cities?

With a median household income of $68,849 and a poverty rate of 9.1%, Groton sits in a relatively stable socioeconomic position that correlates with its B- crime grade. Compared to larger Connecticut urban centers, Groton's crime frequency is notably lower. The city's unemployment rate of 6.5% is slightly above the state average, which can be a contributing factor to property crime in certain pockets of town. However, the strong institutional presence of Naval Submarine Base New London helps anchor community stability. Areas closer to the Thames River waterfront have historically seen a higher concentration of minor incidents, while suburban zones like Groton Long Point report conditions more consistent with an A-range safety profile.

What types of crime are most common in Groton?

In Groton, property crimes make up the largest share of reported incidents, consistent with patterns seen across small-to-mid-sized New England towns. Larceny-theft is the single most prevalent category, followed by motor vehicle theft and burglary. Violent crimes — including assault and robbery — account for a smaller but non-trivial percentage of the overall incident count. Drug-related offenses represent another recurring category that local law enforcement actively monitors. Neighborhoods with higher population density, particularly those near commercial corridors, tend to see a greater proportion of theft-related calls. By contrast, residential areas like those surrounding Fort Griswold Historic Site report a crime mix skewed heavily toward minor property incidents rather than violent offenses.

Is Groton, CT safe to live in?

By most measurable indicators, Groton is a reasonably safe place to live, reflected in its B- overall crime grade. The city's median home value of $251,881 and median rent of $1,264 suggest a stable housing market where residents are invested in their community — a factor that correlates positively with neighborhood safety. The poverty rate of 9.1% is low enough that widespread economic distress is not a primary driver of crime here. Families residing in areas like Thames View and Poquonnock Plains benefit from tight-knit community dynamics and active neighborhood engagement. That said, no community is crime-free, and Groton's B- grade means there are localized areas where awareness and precaution remain important.

Which neighborhoods in Groton have the lowest crime rates?

Based on available data, the neighborhoods that consistently appear in lower-crime areas of Groton include Groton Long Point, known for its coastal residential character and low population density of roughly 479 per sq mi across the broader town, and Poquonnock Plains, which benefits from its suburban layout and strong community ties. The area near Fort Griswold Historic Site also tends to record fewer incidents, particularly violent crimes. In contrast, denser commercial and mixed-use corridors closer to the waterfront and Route 1 corridor see a higher proportion of property crime incidents. When using the Groton crime map, filtering by neighborhood and crime type will give you the most granular picture of safety conditions block by block.

Has crime in Groton been increasing or decreasing?

Groton's B- crime grade for 2026 reflects a community that has maintained relative stability rather than experiencing dramatic swings in either direction. Socioeconomic indicators provide important context: a median household income of $68,849 and a 9.1% poverty rate suggest the economic foundation is solid enough to support ongoing public safety efforts. The 6.5% unemployment rate, while slightly elevated, has not translated into sharp spikes in violent crime. Property crime — the dominant category in Groton — tends to fluctuate with seasonal patterns, often ticking upward in summer months when tourism and activity near the coastline increase. Residents are encouraged to check the Groton Police Department's official reports for the most current trend data specific to their neighborhood.