Lebanon, NH Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Lebanon, NH

What is Lebanon's overall crime grade?

Lebanon, NH earns an overall crime grade of B+, which places it well above average compared to similarly sized U.S. cities. With a population of approximately 13,718 and a population density of just 131 residents per square mile, Lebanon benefits from the kind of close-knit community dynamics that tend to keep crime rates in check. The B+ grade reflects a city where serious incidents are uncommon and where residents generally report feeling safe in their day-to-day lives. For context, many New Hampshire cities of comparable size score in the C range, making Lebanon's B+ a meaningful distinction.

How does Lebanon's economy influence its crime rate?

Economic indicators in Lebanon paint a picture that correlates strongly with its B+ crime grade. The city's unemployment rate sits at just 1.2% — significantly below the national average — while the median household income is $73,704. Research consistently links lower unemployment to reduced property crime, and Lebanon's data supports that pattern. The poverty rate of 9.8% is modest for a New England city, and the median home value of $261,623 suggests a stable, invested residential base. Taken together, these figures help explain why Lebanon experiences fewer economically motivated crimes like theft and burglary than many comparable communities.

What types of crime are most common in Lebanon?

In Lebanon, property crimes — including vehicle break-ins, theft, and occasional vandalism — represent the most frequently reported incident categories, consistent with patterns seen across Upper Valley communities. Violent crime rates remain low relative to national benchmarks, aligning with the city's B+ overall grade. Neighborhoods closer to higher-traffic commercial corridors, such as parts of West Lebanon near the shopping district along Route 12A, tend to see a higher share of property-related incidents simply due to foot traffic and retail density. Residential areas like Eastman Hill report notably fewer incidents of any kind.

Which neighborhoods in Lebanon are considered safest?

Based on available crime mapping data, several Lebanon neighborhoods stand out for their low incident rates. Eastman Hill is frequently cited as one of the quieter residential areas, characterized by lower density and strong neighborhood cohesion. Areas near the Lebanon Opera House and along Hanover Street in the downtown core also tend to report minimal serious crime, though they do see occasional minor incidents tied to nighttime activity. West Lebanon, while more commercially active and therefore slightly more prone to property crime, still grades favorably overall. No neighborhood in Lebanon carries a poor safety profile given the city's B+ baseline.

Is Lebanon, NH a safe place to live?

By the numbers, yes — Lebanon is a demonstrably safe place to live. Its B+ crime grade, combined with a 1.2% unemployment rate, a median household income of $73,704, and a poverty rate of 9.8%, collectively point to a community with strong structural safety factors. The median rent of $1,243 and home value of $261,623 reflect a housing market stable enough to support long-term residents, which itself contributes to neighborhood stability and lower crime. Families, young professionals, and retirees consistently rank Lebanon among the more livable small cities in New Hampshire, and the crime data supports that reputation.

How does Lebanon compare to other New Hampshire cities on crime?

Lebanon's B+ overall crime grade positions it favorably within New Hampshire's Upper Valley region. Its low population density of 131 people per square mile means that even when incidents do occur, they are more dispersed and less likely to affect large numbers of residents. Cities with higher density and higher poverty rates — even within New Hampshire — tend to score lower. Lebanon's combination of low unemployment (1.2%), above-average household income ($73,704), and active community policing gives it a measurable edge. For anyone using the Lebanon crime map to compare neighborhoods or evaluate a potential move, the data consistently supports Lebanon as a lower-risk environment.