Midsomer Murders vs. London: Unraveling the Crime Rate Mystery

When it comes to murder rates in fictional settings compared to the real world, the TV show Midsomer Murders often garners attention. The keen-eyed viewer might wonder, is the murder rate in the fictional city of Midsomer higher than that of London? This analysis will delve into the numbers and scenarios surrounding Midsomer Murders, comparing them with the real-world figures from London.

Understanding the Fictional World of Midsomer Murders

Midsomer County, the setting of Midsomer Murders, is not a city but a country district near the market town of Cawston. Over the span of 126 episodes, there have been more than 395 murders, with over 337 shown. Additionally, over 409 attempted murders or suicides have been seen on screen, with approximately 164 occurring off-screen. The show’s run from 1997 to 2020 averages around 17 murders per year.

Setting the Scene: Midsomer and Its Population

To put the death toll in perspective, let's consider the geographical and population context. The setting of Midsomer is based on the real county of Oxfordshire, UK, specifically South Oxfordshire. The filming locations include parts of Wallingford and Thame, approximately 15 miles apart, with most villages, pubs, and houses being filmed in Oxfordshire. South Oxfordshire has a population of around 128,000.

Given that the show features 3 murders per episode on average, and there are about 20 villages named, if we assume each village has 500 people, the total population would be 10,000. This would result in a murder rate of 170 per 100,000 per year, significantly higher than the real-life murder rate in London.

Real-World Murder Rates: London

London, despite being one of the world's most populous cities, has a relatively lower murder rate compared to Midsomer's fictional setting. According to recent statistics:

In 2019, there were 132 murders in London. The murder rate in London is around 1.5 per 100,000 per year.

London's population fluctuates significantly, with estimates ranging from 8.3 million to over 9 million. Considering an approximate population of 9 million, this translates to about 11.1 murders per million per year.

Comparing the Rates

Let's compare the murder rates of Midsomer and London. Based on the given figures:

Midsomer: 170 per 100,000 per year (estimated from the show's statistics). London: 11 per 100,000 per year.

When rounded down, the murder rate in Midsomer is much higher than that of London, with a rate of 134 murders per million per year (170 per 1,000,000) compared to 11 murders per million per year in London.

Implications and Perception

The high murder rate in Midsomer can be attributed to the show's emphasis on local mysteries and thrillers. Filming in a rural setting, with perceived isolation and unfamiliarity, adds to the tension and intrigue. Coupled with the constant presence of the solving detective, Hercule Poirot, who often draws the crime scenes, it contributes to the high frequency of murders.

Although the murders are not real, the pervasive perception of Midsomer's high crime rate can influence viewers' understanding of rural life. This narrative often highlights the tension and thriller genre that makes the show appealing to audiences.