Waterbury, CT Crime Rate & Safety

Waterbury, CT has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 68% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 163 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 29 chance for property crime. Waterbury has higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Waterbury has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 62% of the city's 45 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Country Club is one of the safest areas, while Berkeley Heights has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Waterbury is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Waterbury are Country Club, CNVR Higher Education Center, Hop Brook, Platts Mills, and West Side Manor. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Waterbury include Berkeley Heights, Fairmount, Brookside Industrial Park, Central Business District, and Willow Plaza. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Waterbury is 612.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 61% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 163 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.0 per 100K (60% above average); aggravated assault at 449.8 per 100K (68% above average); robbery at 107.0 per 100K (45% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Waterbury is 3,427.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 87% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 29 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 414.7 per 100K (54% above average); larceny/theft at 2,457.7 per 100K (75% above average); vehicle theft at 554.9 per 100K (74% above average).

Waterbury's overall crime rate is 68% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (75% above average), while rape is 42% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Waterbury has higher crime than 91% of them.

Visitors to Waterbury should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 87% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Country Club, CNVR Higher Education Center, Hop Brook.

Connecticut as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Waterbury's crime rate is 68% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Connecticut city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Waterbury, with an estimated rate of 2,457.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 75% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,427 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (613 per 100K) in Waterbury, which is consistent with national trends.