Crime affects the quality of life of those who directly experience and witness it, but it also impacts the lives of others within the community, housing stability, and a community's attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business.

In 2017, there were 28 violent crimes per 10,000 residents in our region, up from 27 the prior year and below the state rate of 36. The regional rate is higher than in 2000, and down from the high of 33 per 10,000 residents in 2006. The county with the highest violent crime rate in 2017 was Monroe (34), a product of the high crime rates in Rochester (90) - both similar to 2016. After Monroe, Genesee had the highest rate, at 29, while Livingston had the lowest, at 9 per 10,000 residents. In 2017, violent crime rose in most counties and the City of Rochester, with the largest increase coming from Seneca County, since 2000.

In the long run, violent crime rates have been highest in the City of Rochester, averaging 94 crimes per 10,000 residents since 2000, and lowest in Yates (8), Livingston (11) and Ontario (12).

Crime reports are never complete because some crimes, such as rape and assault, are believed to be underreported. Data for this indicator are released in the third quarter.