The question of whether Keele is safe for university students is a valid one, and the data provides a reasonably clear picture. Keele, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Newcastle-under-Lyme, has a population of 3114 residents. Critically, its crime rate stands at 54.6 incidents per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000.
This lower crime rate, coupled with a safety score of 87 out of 100 – again, exceeding the UK average of 79 – suggests that Keele is generally a safe area. It's important to remember that crime rates are a statistical measure and don’t necessarily reflect the lived experience of every individual. However, they offer a useful comparative benchmark.
The safety score of 87 indicates a perception of safety amongst residents, and while the data doesn’t specify the types of crimes recorded, a lower crime rate overall suggests less opportunity for incidents such as theft, vandalism, or more serious offences. It's worth noting that the data refers to the area of Keele itself and doesn't account for perceptions of safety within the university campus or surrounding areas.
For university students, safety also encompasses personal safety, such as feeling secure when walking alone at night. While the overall crime rate is lower, it’s still important to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly during the evening hours. The university itself likely has its own security measures and safety advice for students, which should be consulted. Further research into specific crime types within the area might offer a more nuanced understanding, but based on the available data, Keele appears to be a relatively safe place for university students.