A
14%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
77%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
2%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleAltoona/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime186n/a (estimate)1,9961,6822,324
Murder1n/a10.75.36.3
Rape4n/a42.938.640.0
Robbery0n/a0.039.466.1
Assault3n/a32.2213.7268.2
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)86297370
Burglary14n/a150.2153.7269.8
Theft156n/a1,673.8981.01,401.9
Vehicle theft8n/a85.8250.3282.7
Property crime178n/a (estimate)1,9101,3851,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Altoona, WI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Altoona is 14.1% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Altoona, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 86 per 100,000 individuals, 76.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 178 property crimes, amounting to 1910 per 100,000 residents, 2.3% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 86 incidents per 100,000 people, Altoona boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Altoona has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Altoona ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Altoona, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Altoona maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Altoona, 1910 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 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.

Is Altoona a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Altoona is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Altoona has a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.51 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.49 daily property crimes) in Altoona.

Has Crime in Altoona Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Altoona has increased by 5.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Altoona is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 60%, while property crime has increased by 3.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Altoona.

Potential Causes for Crime in Altoona

In Altoona, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Altoona crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Altoona, there are 1.91 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Altoona has an average rental rate of $795 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Altoona crime map



The Altoona crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Altoona as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Altoona crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Altoona crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Altoona crime rates are 14% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Altoona are 77% lower than the national average
  • In Altoona you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Altoona is safer than 60% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Altoona has decreased by 7%

Altoona, WI Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Altoona (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Altoona for every 100,000 residents. The Altoona total amount of daily crime is 1.19 times more than the Wisconsin average and 1.16 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Altoona, is 3.46 times less than the Wisconsin average, and it is 4.31 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Altoona has a daily crime average that is 1.38 times more than the Wisconsin average and 1.02 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Altoona (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Altoona in comparison to other Wisconsin communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Altoona safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Altoona being safer than 37% of cities in Wisconsin and 60% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Wisconsin cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Altoona. In conclusion, Altoona ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Altoona

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Altoona is 1 in 1166
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Altoona is 1 in 53
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Altoona is 1 in 51
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Altoona? In Altoona, WI you have a 1 in 1166 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Altoona.

        Year Over Year Crime In Altoona (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Altoona is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Altoona has increased by 41%, while the property crime rate in Altoona has decreased by 9% year over year. The number of total crimes in Altoona has decreased by 7% year over year.

        Altoona police department

        Item Altoona Wisconsin National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)139,355558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.43.3
        There are a total of 13 Altoona police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 20.1% less than the Wisconsin average and 41.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Wisconsin

        State Total offenders Wisconsin /100K National /100K
        Wisconsin24,983456266
        There are a total of 24,983 sex offenders in Wisconsin. This yields a total of 456 sex offenders in Wisconsin per 100,000 residents which is 71% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lake Wissota, WI2,89698459558
        Fall Creek, WI1,610128598726
        Cadott, WI1,358134627761
        Chippewa Falls, WI14,197276533809
        Colfax, WI1,181143667810
        Lake Hallie, WI6,7101501,3331,483
        Eau Claire, WI68,7201382,2272,365
        Altoona, WI7,769861,9101,996

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mechanicstown, NY7,7704351,7442,179
        Los Fresnos, TX7,7674291,3961,825
        Wahpeton, ND7,7721892,2882,476
        Firebaugh, CA7,7723451,1441,489
        Ilion, NY7,7665742,3032,877
        Altoona, WI7,769861,9101,996
        Source: The Altoona, WI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.