Crime and Pollution in Helsinki

Crime Data in Helsinki

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Helsinki boasts an impressively low crime rate, reflecting a strong sense of security among its residents. The city is known for low levels of both violent and property crimes, with corruption and drug-related problems being almost negligible.

Public perception of safety is notably high. Residents feel very secure both during the day and at night, contributing to Helsinki's reputation as a safe and peaceful city.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes are virtually a non-issue for Helsinki's residents. With minimal theft incidents and an almost non-existent threat of home burglaries, the city ranks highly in terms of property crime management.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related issues in Helsinki remain minimal, with strong community and law enforcement efforts keeping these concerns well under control. The low concern among residents reflects the effectiveness of these measures.
• Violent Crimes - Helsinki experiences few violent crimes, a fact that is mirrored in residents’ low fear of being mugged or physically assaulted. The peace and safety of the city significantly contribute to its high safety index.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Helsinki is exemplary. Residents feel safe both during the day and at night, indicating confidence in the city's law enforcement and community safety measures.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Despite slight concerns over the potential increase in crime rates, Helsinki remains one of the safest cities with very low levels of both property and violent crime.
• Specific Fears - Specific fears are uncommon in Helsinki, with residents generally unfazed by threats of robbery, racial or religious violence, and drug-related offenses. This reflects a broad sense of communal harmony and trust.

Summary of Crime in Helsinki

Helsinki continues to maintain a strong record of safety and security, with ongoing efforts to ensure this remains the case. The city's effective policing and community vigilance are key factors contributing to its low crime rates.

Crime Rankings

Helsinki ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Finland. The crime ranking by city for Finland is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Helsinki

Finland

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Helsinki shines with excellent air quality in 2024, a notable achievement for a major urban area. The city's commitment to reducing emissions has resulted in particularly clean air, well-liked by its residents.

With particulate matter levels (PM2.5 and PM10) kept impressively low, Helsinki offers a healthy living environment, contributing to the city's overall livability.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Helsinki's PM2.5 levels are low, posing minimal health risks and ensuring good air quality for all its residents.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels follow suit with PM2.5, remaining well within healthy limits and contributing to a clean atmosphere across the city.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management in Helsinki receives high marks, with residents expressing satisfaction with the city's efficient garbage disposal systems.

However, noise pollution remains a minor issue, mainly due to urban density and transportation systems, though it is markedly low compared to global standards.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Residents report high satisfaction with garbage disposal services, reflecting efficient management and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution are perceived as low-level concerns, with some urban areas experiencing mild disturbances, yet controlled adequately.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Helsinki's green spaces are a significant asset, offering numerous parks and recreational areas appreciated by both residents and tourists.

The city prides itself on excellent drinking water quality, consistently ranking high in water accessibility and purity.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of parks and green spaces is exceptionally high, providing residents with essential connections to nature and healthy recreational opportunities.
• Drinking Water Quality - Helsinki's drinking water is of top-notch quality, contributing positively to public health and maintaining a high standard of living.

Pollution Rankings

Helsinki ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Finland. The pollution ranking for Finland is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Helsinki

Finland