Keene, NH Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Keene, NH

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

Keene earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in New Hampshire and well above the national average for cities of comparable size. With a population of approximately 22,823 and a population density of just 237 residents per square mile, Keene's relatively low density contributes to its strong safety profile. Cities earning an A-grade typically see crime rates that are significantly below the national median, meaning residents here face a meaningfully lower statistical risk of becoming a crime victim than in most American cities.

What types of crimes are most common in Keene?

Like most small New England cities, Keene's incident reports are dominated by property crimes rather than violent offenses. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the largest share of reported incidents, followed by vandalism and minor property damage. Violent crimes represent a small fraction of total reports. The downtown commercial corridor and areas with higher foot traffic, such as the blocks surrounding the Central Square, tend to concentrate a larger share of property crime reports, while residential neighborhoods like East Hill and areas near Keene State College generally see fewer incidents per capita. This distribution is consistent with Keene's A-grade safety rating.

Is Keene, NH a safe place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, yes. Keene holds an overall crime grade of A, reflecting crime rates that are well below national benchmarks. The city's unemployment rate stands at 3.9% — a figure associated with economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime levels. The poverty rate of 11.7% is moderate, and the median household income of $57,393 supports a stable community fabric. Median home values of $182,189 and median rent of $1,018 keep Keene accessible, reducing economic stress that can drive crime in other markets. Taken together, these socioeconomic indicators reinforce what the A crime grade already signals: Keene is a safe, livable city.

Which neighborhoods in Keene have the lowest crime rates?

While granular block-level data varies over time, neighborhoods with lower residential density and strong community cohesion tend to perform best on safety metrics. Areas around East Hill and the quieter residential streets near Robin Hood Forest are consistently regarded as among the most peaceful in the city. The neighborhoods adjacent to Keene State College benefit from an active campus presence and regular foot traffic during daytime hours, which deters opportunistic property crime. Downtown Keene, centered on Central Square, is well-lit and regularly patrolled, making it safe for evening visits. For the most current neighborhood-level picture, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date to see exactly where recent activity has been reported.

How does Keene's poverty rate affect its crime grade?

Keene's poverty rate of 11.7% is worth noting in context: while it is above the rates seen in some of the wealthiest New Hampshire communities, it has not translated into elevated crime levels. The city's A crime grade demonstrates that strong community institutions, active policing, and relatively low unemployment (3.9%) offset the risks that higher poverty rates can introduce elsewhere. Criminologists generally find that employment opportunity is one of the strongest predictors of community safety — and with unemployment under 4%, Keene residents have meaningful economic participation, which supports the city's excellent safety outcomes.

What percentage of crimes in Keene are violent versus property crimes?

Consistent with Keene's A overall crime grade, the vast majority of reported incidents fall into the non-violent property crime category. Theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offenses collectively represent the dominant share of the crime map's data points. Violent crimes — including assault and robbery — make up a distinctly smaller percentage of total incidents, and their per-capita rate in Keene is well below the national average. This ratio is one of the key reasons the city earns top marks: residents are far more likely to encounter a minor property issue than any form of violent crime, and even property crime rates here are low relative to peer cities nationally.

Is Keene safe for families, students, and retirees?

Keene's A crime grade, combined with its socioeconomic profile, makes it broadly welcoming for all demographics. Families are drawn to the city's low violent crime rates and affordable housing — median home values of $182,189 are accessible by regional standards. Students at Keene State College benefit from a campus environment embedded in a safe city, with active campus security supplementing the Keene Police Department. Retirees appreciate the walkable downtown around Central Square, the accessible outdoor recreation at nearby parks, and the overall sense of security that an A-grade city provides. Across age groups and lifestyles, the data consistently supports Keene as a safe community choice in 2026.