Determining the 'best' areas for families in Watford requires a careful look at safety and local data. The data available focuses on the Built-Up Area (BUA) of Watford (Watford), which encompasses the entire urban area, with a population of 139,690. Overall, Watford's crime rate stands at 99.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. It’s important to note that this figure represents the entire BUA and doesn't reflect the varying safety levels within different neighbourhoods.
Watford receives a safety score of 77 out of 100, which is a touch below the UK average safety score of 79. This suggests a perception of slightly lower safety compared to the national average. While this isn't inherently negative, it's a factor to consider when making a decision about where to live.
It's crucial to understand that crime statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. Factors such as the type of crime reported, the presence of community initiatives, and local school quality also play a significant role in family wellbeing. Furthermore, understanding why crime rates are higher than average requires further investigation into the specific issues facing different areas within Watford. For example, certain areas may experience higher rates of petty theft or anti-social behaviour, while others may have more serious incidents.
While the available data doesn't delineate crime rates by specific neighbourhoods, prospective families are encouraged to conduct their own, more granular research. This could involve consulting local police reports (if available), speaking with current residents, and visiting potential areas at different times of day. Exploring local amenities, school catchment areas, and transport links are also essential elements of a comprehensive assessment.