The question of how Hythe's crime rates compare to Folkestone is a common one, and the data provides a clear picture. Hythe, within the Folkestone and Hythe district, exhibits a considerably lower crime rate than Folkestone itself. Specifically, Hythe's crime rate stands at 48.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. In contrast, Folkestone’s crime rate is significantly higher, at 119.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This represents a substantial difference, indicating that Hythe is generally a safer place to live than Folkestone.
To provide further context, the UK national average crime rate is 91.6 per 1,000 people. Therefore, Hythe’s rate is below the national average, while Folkestone’s rate is considerably above it. The population of Hythe is 13,407, which is a factor when considering the absolute number of crimes, but the rate itself provides the most useful comparison. Nearby areas offer further perspective: Saltwood and Stanford both report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, and Lympne has a rate of 24.3 per 1,000.
Beyond crime rates, safety scores provide another indicator of safety. Hythe boasts a safety score of 88 out of 100, which is notably higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests a generally perceived higher level of safety amongst Hythe residents. While safety scores are subjective, they often correlate with lower crime rates and a stronger sense of community.
It's important to note that crime rates are influenced by various factors, including population density, socioeconomic conditions, and policing strategies. However, based on the available data, Hythe demonstrates a demonstrably safer environment than Folkestone.