Is Newport City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Newport, Vermont, lies in the northeastern part of the state, near the Canadian border and the shores of Lake Memphremagog.

Settled in the late 1700s, the town grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad in 1863, which transformed it into a bustling hub for trade and travel.

The beautiful climate brought visitors throughout the four seasons, and the population peaked in the 1950s.

Modern-day Newport feels a lot like a city trapped in time, with natural beauty in all directions.

The downtown area retains much of its historical charm, with buildings that reflect its rich past and a boardwalk on the water.

Lake Memphremagog (“mem-fre-MAY-gog”) means “beautiful water” in the Abenaki language, and it stretches 31 miles with the lower five miles located in the United States.

The rest is in Quebec.

Newport offers a variety of activities for visitors, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences.

The lake is a focal point, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, as well as ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter.

The city is located in a section of the state known as the Northeast Kingdom, offering additional hiking, biking, and skiing options, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

Despite its relatively small size, Newport’s scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant community life make it a noteworthy spot in Vermont.

Plus, Canada is just 11 miles north, making the trip international for those who want to experience both countries.

Warnings & Dangers in Newport City

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here with plenty of outdoor adventures in a safe city.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Rural Community Transportation has several routes that go between the Northeast Kingdom cities. Taxis and rideshares are available, but a rental car offers the most flexibility. All options are low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With just one pickpocket over the past five years, the risk is low. However, in a tourist city, you should use proper safety precautions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The risk is low here, but winters can be brutal. If you aren't used to snow storms and other intense winter conditions, use extra caution. Flooding is also a possibility because of the lake, and summer thunderstorms can turn severe.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Only a handful of robberies happen in Newport each year, and most of those are convenience store robberies. In the past five years, just one was a highway robbery.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but there's always going to be a concern about drug, gun, or human trafficking coming across the border. You can help by simply reporting any suspicious activity you see.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. Most scams here target residents, so the risk is low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, with Newport being an ideal destination for seniors, young moms, and solo travelers. Again, with any place that attracts tourists, you should follow the personal safety steps that you would take in any new city.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2022 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Newport City

Two tourism websites will be a great help in planning your trip – discovernewportvt.com and northeastkingdom.com.

Since there are so many cities named Newport in the United States, always be sure a website or attraction has an area code of 802.

Lake Memphremagog is a central attraction in Newport.

Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and even taking a scenic cruise on the Northern Star.

Prouty Beach is perfect for a summer day out.

With its sandy shores, it’s a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

The adjoining campground is well-maintained and offers facilities for both tents and RVs, making it a popular spot for overnight stays.

The waterfront area provides a picturesque setting for a stroll.

The boardwalk offers lovely views of Lake Memphremagog and is a great spot to enjoy the sunset.

There are often local events and festivals held here, adding to the lively atmosphere.

A trail leads from the lakefront in Newport to the Canadian border.

It goes through Bluffside Farm and Memphremagog Trails.

It is worth noting that the lake is a popular open swimming area, with as many as 30 days of swimming events held each year.

Downtown is right by the water and positively idyllic, with charming shops and restaurants.

You can check the local events on the Facebook Page @Newport.Vermont.

One of the biggest is the Memphremagog Festival in May.

The Downtown Tasting Center is a delightful spot for food and drink enthusiasts.

It features local products, including cheese, beer, wine, and other gourmet items.

It’s an excellent place to sample regional flavors and purchase unique souvenirs.

A bit outside Newport, this area is a haven for wildlife and bird watchers.

The diverse habitats, including wetlands and forests, attract a variety of bird species across 420 acres.

You should also consider the options between the wineries, cideries, brewhouses, maple syrup makers, and farms, depending on what’s in season.

This is a stunning place to experience fall with some of the best foliage nationwide.

Places to Avoid in Newport City

You don’t need to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town.

The main thing to avoid is flooding downtown if you’re visiting during heavy rain.

One thing I wanted to clear up is that the names of places can get confusing in New England.

There are sometimes cities or towns with the same name as another place in the state and then the same names across the region.

For example, Newport is a city, but Newport (the town) is about seven miles away.

It’s referred to as Newport Center.

Nearby Derby is a town with Derby Line as a village, Derby Center as a village, and North Derby as an unincorporated village.

Also, if you’re planning to visit Canada, you should know that the country is pretty strict about letting people visit with certain criminal histories, like driving under the influence.

If you have had a charge like that in the past, you should find the right form on the Canada Border Services Agency website and submit it well ahead of your trip.

If you are boating into Canada, you don’t have to go through Customs and Border Patrol as long as you don’t dock or land.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Newport City

So... How Safe Is Newport City Really?

Newport is one of those cities that looks more dangerous on paper than it really is.

Violent crime rates are 132% higher than the national average and 316% higher than the state average.

Since 2015, the rate spiked by 583%.

Now, let’s look at the raw data.

Since this is a small town, the crime rate figured to be “per 100,000 people” can appear skewed in situations like this.

Before 2015, the city didn’t see a year with more than 20 violent crimes.

In 2015, just six violent crimes were reported, but that number jumped to 39 in 2017 and then peaked at 41 in 2022.

On top of that, the issue of thousands of people visiting each year doesn’t count toward the crime rate, which further complicates crime data.

Theft rates are higher than the national average, with 27% being car break-ins and accessory thefts.

Nearly half of all thefts were related to “Other” larcenies, like stolen guns, construction equipment, and tools.

While crime across Vermont is rising, it still ranks as the safest state in the country.

You likely won’t even notice the increase in crime.

How Does Newport City Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Check the Canada Border Services Agency website to see what you need to cross the border. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Winters are long, cold, and snowy here, with winter attire needed from October through April. Summers are relatively mild, with the hottest month being July, with an average temperature of 81°F. Lows will get into the 50s. Bring layers of clothing to adjust to fluctuating temperatures.

Airports

Burlington International Airport is 90 miles away, and that's the closest commercial option. The nearby Northeast Kingdom Airport is just for private plans, lessons, and tours.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. Make sure you're covered in the U.S. and Canada if you plan to cross the border.

Newport City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Vermont - Safety by City