| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waseca/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,102 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 10.8 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 129.7 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 140 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 194.5 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 63 | n/a | 680.9 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 86.5 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 962 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waseca is 52.6% 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 Waseca, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 140 per 100,000 individuals, 62% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 89 property crimes, amounting to 962 per 100,000 residents, 50.8% lower than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Waseca 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.
Determining whether Waseca 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, Waseca has an overall crime rate that is 53% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waseca as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waseca. 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 Waseca has decreased by 33.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7.1%, while property crime has decreased by 36%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waseca.
Waseca has a poverty rate that stands at 8.8, 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 Waseca 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.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Waseca, the cost of living is 11.43% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Waseca has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.57 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Waseca | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waterville, MN | 1,841 | 0 | 230 | 230 |
| Medford, MN | 1,220 | 127 | 887 | 1,014 |
| Janesville, MN | 2,502 | 122 | 936 | 1,058 |
| Owatonna, MN | 25,716 | 227 | 1,038 | 1,265 |
| New Richland, MN | 1,039 | 406 | 1,219 | 1,625 |
| Warsaw, MN | 925 | 271 | 1,894 | 2,164 |
| Faribault, MN | 23,853 | 254 | 1,995 | 2,248 |
| Waseca, MN | 8,892 | 140 | 962 | 1,102 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Olmsted Falls, OH | 8,892 | 23 | 557 | 580 |
| Delta, CO | 8,893 | 117 | 3,745 | 3,862 |
| Tremonton, UT | 8,890 | 278 | 2,180 | 2,458 |
| Mahomet, IL | 8,888 | 175 | 546 | 721 |
| Port Wentworth, GA | 8,886 | 150 | 1,813 | 1,963 |
| Waseca, MN | 8,892 | 140 | 962 | 1,102 |
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