| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waycross/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 740 | n/a (estimate) | 5,429 | 2,058 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 44.0 | 8.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 80.7 | 36.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 168.7 | 43.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 81 | n/a | 594.3 | 278.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 121 | n/a (estimate) | 888 | 367 | 370 |
| Burglary | 85 | n/a | 623.6 | 217.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 494 | n/a | 3,624.4 | 1,266.5 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 40 | n/a | 293.5 | 206.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 619 | n/a (estimate) | 4,541 | 1,691 | 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 Waycross is 133.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 121 violent crimes reported in Waycross, equivalent to 888 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 140.1%. Additionally, Waycross recorded 619 property crimes, amounting to 4541 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 132.4%.
In Waycross, the crime rate stands at 5429 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 133.59%. 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 Waycross 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 888 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waycross is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Waycross ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 113 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.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Waycross has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 6 murders in Waycross, which is 44 murders per 100,000 people.
Waycross has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4541 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Waycross is 1 in 23, which is far higher than the national average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Waycross? Well, based on a recent survey of 21 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 43% of Waycross residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 57% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Waycross 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, Waycross has an overall crime rate that is 134% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.03 daily occurrences, comprising 0.33 violent crimes and 1.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waycross as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waycross has increased by 0.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waycross, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4.7%, while property crime has increased by 1.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waycross is a safe place to live.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Waycross, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.64 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Waycross stands at $71,700, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
Waycross has an average rental rate of $658 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.
| Item | Waycross | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 69 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Georgia /100K | National /100K |
| Georgia | 23,117 | 275 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hoboken, GA | 693 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Patterson, GA | 805 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deenwood, GA | 2,263 | 188 | 864 | 1,052 |
| Offerman, GA | 806 | 510 | 2,352 | 2,862 |
| Blackshear, GA | 3,484 | 112 | 2,884 | 2,996 |
| Waycross, GA | 13,638 | 888 | 4,541 | 5,429 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wauconda, IL | 13,629 | 29 | 208 | 237 |
| Bensville, MD | 13,658 | 303 | 1,244 | 1,547 |
| Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI | 13,617 | 294 | 2,749 | 3,043 |
| Andover, KS | 13,609 | 133 | 1,288 | 1,420 |
| Celina, TX | 13,608 | 79 | 885 | 963 |
| Waycross, GA | 13,638 | 888 | 4,541 | 5,429 |
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