| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurel/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 819 | n/a (estimate) | 4,840 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 23.6 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 100.5 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 94.6 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 141 | n/a | 833.2 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 178 | n/a (estimate) | 1,052 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 121 | n/a | 715.0 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 457 | n/a | 2,700.6 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 63 | n/a | 372.3 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 641 | n/a (estimate) | 3,788 | 1,363 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Laurel is 128.4% higher 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 Laurel, there were 178 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1052 per 100,000 individuals, 192.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 641 property crimes, amounting to 3788 per 100,000 residents, 115.2% higher than the U.S. average.
In Laurel, the crime rate stands at 4840 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 128.38%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Laurel that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Laurel is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1052 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Laurel is 1 in 96.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Laurel is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 4 murders in Laurel, which equates to 24 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Laurel being a very dangerous place to live.
Laurel reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3788 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Laurel, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What do the local residents think about crime in Laurel? Well, based on a recent survey of 132 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 32% of Laurel residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 68% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Laurel, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Laurel presents a total crime rate that is 128% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Laurel experiences an average of 2.24 daily crimes, comprising 0.49 violent incidents and 1.76 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Laurel. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Laurel has decreased by 10.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 57.5%, while property crime has decreased by 20.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Laurel.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Laurel crime rates. For instance, in Laurel, the population density stands at 1168.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Laurel, the cost of living is 16.72% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Laurel, the average monthly rent stands at $1,054, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
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 | Laurel | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 74 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Mississippi /100K | National /100K |
| Mississippi | 11,060 | 380 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sharon, MS | 1,849 | 70 | 457 | 527 |
| Ellisville, MS | 4,819 | 66 | 1,418 | 1,485 |
| Soso, MS | 485 | 204 | 1,326 | 1,531 |
| Sandersville, MS | 684 | 219 | 1,418 | 1,637 |
| Heidelberg, MS | 931 | 164 | 1,642 | 1,806 |
| Laurel, MS | 18,971 | 1,052 | 3,788 | 4,840 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brownwood, TX | 18,977 | 362 | 2,247 | 2,609 |
| Hyattsville, MD | 18,985 | 688 | 3,340 | 4,028 |
| Milledgeville, GA | 18,956 | 613 | 3,276 | 3,889 |
| East Massapequa, NY | 18,953 | 159 | 719 | 878 |
| Eloy, AZ | 18,990 | 485 | 970 | 1,455 |
| Laurel, MS | 18,971 | 1,052 | 3,788 | 4,840 |
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