West River Neighborhood, New Haven
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 17% of neighborhoods in New Haven
Safety at a Glance
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in New Haven
Is West River Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. West River in New Haven, CT has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 139, which is 39% above the national average of 100. West River is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in New Haven.
Compared to the New Haven average (crime index 149), West River is 10% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 156, 56% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 108).
West River Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and New Haven city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
156 | +56% | High | |
How West River Compares
Crime index by category: West River vs New Haven average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West River Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West River Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West River, New Haven?
West River in New Haven, CT has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 139, which is 39% above the national average. Compared to the New Haven average, crime in West River is 10% lower. West River is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in New Haven.
Is West River a safe neighborhood in New Haven?
West River has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 156), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 108).
How does West River compare to the rest of New Haven?
West River's overall crime index is 139, compared to the New Haven average of 149. This means crime in West River is 10% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 137. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in West River?
The most prevalent crime type in West River is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 156 (56% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near West River?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beaver Hills, Downtown and Westville. These areas are close to West River and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West River?
West River has a population of approximately 3,994. The median household income is $43,329. The median home value is $441,153. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West River crime compare to the national average?
West River's overall crime rate is 39% above the national average (index 139 vs 100). Within New Haven, it is safer than 17% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.