What does this measure?

The number of reported serious crimes per 10,000 residents. Serious crimes are defined by the FBI as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

Why is this important?

Crime affects the quality of life of those who directly experience and witness it, and it also impacts the lives of others in a community who may feel threatened by it. Low crime rates may promote connections within the community, housing stability, and a community’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business.

How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

In 2010, Cayuga had a serious crime rate of 220, while Seneca’s rate was 186. Those rates are below the state (excluding NYC) rate of 233 and the national rate of 335. Seneca and Ontario had the lowest rates, while Onondaga and Oswego had the highest. The rate of serious crime in Cayuga has fluctuated but declined by 5% overall during the past decade. Serious crime has declined by 10% in Seneca County over the past decade, although it has risen from a low of 159 in 2007. The rate of serious crime was higher in some local areas including Auburn and Waterloo.

Notes about the data

Crime reports are never complete because not all crimes are reported, and some crimes in particular, such as rape and assault, are believed to be underreported.