| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Altoona/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 177 | n/a (estimate) | 1,839 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 10.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 20.8 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 31 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 20.8 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 167 | n/a | 1,735.4 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 52.0 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 174 | n/a (estimate) | 1,808 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Altoona crime rate is lower than the national average by 13.2%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Altoona, equivalent to 31 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 91.3%. Furthermore, Altoona recorded 174 property crimes, amounting to 1808 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 2.7%.
Altoona shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 31 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Altoona an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Altoona stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Altoona, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Altoona maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Altoona, 1808 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
Determining whether Altoona is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Altoona has an overall crime rate that is 13% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.48 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.48 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Altoona as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Altoona. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Altoona has didn't change by 0%. Violent crimes have decreased by 40%, while property crimes have didn't change by 1.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Altoona, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Altoona crime rates.
In Altoona, the cost of living is 1.47% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Altoona, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.91, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Altoona | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Wissota, WI | 2,990 | 44 | 181 | 225 |
| Colfax, WI | 1,225 | 116 | 480 | 596 |
| Cadott, WI | 1,403 | 117 | 488 | 605 |
| Fall Creek, WI | 1,650 | 71 | 568 | 639 |
| Chippewa Falls, WI | 14,630 | 219 | 670 | 889 |
| Lake Hallie, WI | 6,885 | 196 | 814 | 1,010 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 70,119 | 162 | 1,906 | 2,068 |
| Altoona, WI | 8,056 | 31 | 1,808 | 1,839 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ruidoso, NM | 8,058 | 509 | 1,953 | 2,462 |
| Cushing, OK | 8,053 | 273 | 2,400 | 2,673 |
| Sheboygan Falls, WI | 8,059 | 61 | 856 | 917 |
| Milliken, CO | 8,053 | 0 | 537 | 537 |
| Valley Center, KS | 8,060 | 380 | 1,692 | 2,072 |
| Altoona, WI | 8,056 | 31 | 1,808 | 1,839 |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Wisconsin
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Wisconsin
Check out the 10 safest cities in Wisconsin