| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Paw Paw/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 153 | n/a (estimate) | 4,558 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 119.2 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 744.7 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 864 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 148.9 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 116 | n/a | 3,455.5 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 89.4 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 124 | n/a (estimate) | 3,694 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Paw Paw is 96.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes reported in Paw Paw, equivalent to 864 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 133.6%. Additionally, Paw Paw recorded 124 property crimes, amounting to 3694 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 89%.
In Paw Paw, the crime rate stands at 4558 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 96.09%. 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 Paw Paw 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.
With a violent crime rate of 864 crimes per 100,000 residents, Paw Paw is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Paw Paw ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 116 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
In the latest reported crime year, Paw Paw recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
With a property crime rate of 3694 crimes per 100,000 people, Paw Paw unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Paw Paw is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Paw Paw residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 64% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Paw Paw were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 36% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Paw Paw 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. Paw Paw has a total crime rate that is 96% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.42 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.34 daily property crimes) in Paw Paw.
Year-over-year crime rates in Paw Paw has increased by 7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Paw Paw 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 141.7%, while property crime has increased by 5.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Paw Paw.
Paw Paw has a poverty rate that stands at 17.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Paw Paw crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Paw Paw crime rates. For instance, in Paw Paw, the population density stands at 1281.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Paw Paw, 76.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
| Item | Paw Paw | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lawrence, MI | 918 | 0 | 197 | 197 |
| Marcellus, MI | 1,140 | 220 | 733 | 953 |
| Schoolcraft, MI | 1,212 | 139 | 970 | 1,109 |
| Lawton, MI | 1,533 | 108 | 1,243 | 1,351 |
| Hartford, MI | 2,588 | 524 | 1,128 | 1,651 |
| Westwood, MI | 9,247 | 410 | 1,368 | 1,778 |
| Decatur, MI | 1,935 | 478 | 1,971 | 2,449 |
| Paw Paw, MI | 3,416 | 864 | 3,694 | 4,558 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Morganfield, KY | 3,416 | 62 | 250 | 312 |
| Hidden Springs, ID | 3,416 | 38 | 145 | 183 |
| Angwin, CA | 3,415 | 214 | 1,001 | 1,215 |
| Johnston City, IL | 3,414 | 216 | 1,267 | 1,483 |
| Hanover, IN | 3,418 | 199 | 1,003 | 1,201 |
| Paw Paw, MI | 3,416 | 864 | 3,694 | 4,558 |
Here are the best places to live in Michigan
10 Best cities in Michigan for employment
Top 10 best public schools in Paw Paw
Top 10 cities in Michigan with the best education system