F
24%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
181%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
5%
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 peopleWaynesboro/100k peopleMississippi/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime131n/a (estimate)2,8921,9922,324
Murder3n/a66.27.86.3
Rape1n/a22.133.740.0
Robbery1n/a22.125.666.1
Assault42n/a927.2178.0268.2
Violent crime47n/a (estimate)1,038245370
Burglary27n/a596.0350.2269.8
Theft46n/a1,015.51,222.61,401.9
Vehicle theft11n/a242.8173.9282.7
Property crime84n/a (estimate)1,8541,7471,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, MS

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 Waynesboro is 24.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 47 violent crimes reported in Waynesboro, equivalent to 1038 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 180.6%. Additionally, Waynesboro recorded 84 property crimes, amounting to 1854 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 5.1%.

Waynesboro ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1038 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Waynesboro stand at 1 in every 97 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Waynesboro stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Waynesboro, a total of 3 murders were reported, equating to 66 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Waynesboro maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Waynesboro, 1854 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 Waynesboro a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Waynesboro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waynesboro presents a total crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waynesboro experiences an average of 0.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.13 violent incidents and 0.23 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Waynesboro crime rates. The population density in Waynesboro is 384.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Waynesboro, the cost of living is 20.75% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Waynesboro, the average monthly rent stands at $477, while the national average is $949 per month.

Waynesboro crime map



The Waynesboro crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Waynesboro 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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Compare Waynesboro, MS Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Waynesboro crime rates are 24% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Waynesboro are 181% higher than the national average
      • In Waynesboro you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Waynesboro is safer than 5% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Waynesboro has increased by 40%

      Waynesboro, MS Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Waynesboro (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Waynesboro, per 100,000 residents. In Waynesboro, the total number of daily crimes is 1.45 times more than the Mississippi average and 1.24 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Waynesboro are 4.23 times more than the Mississippi average and 2.81 times more than the national average. For property crime, Waynesboro has a daily crime rate that is 1.06 times more than the Mississippi average and 1.05 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Waynesboro (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Waynesboro in comparison to other Mississippi communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Waynesboro safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Waynesboro being safer than 5% of cities in Mississippi and 5% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Mississippi cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Waynesboro. In conclusion, Waynesboro ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Waynesboro

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 97
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 54
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 35
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Waynesboro? In Waynesboro, you have a 1 in 97 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 54. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Waynesboro, MS is 1 in 35.

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

        Determining whether Waynesboro is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Waynesboro violent crime rates have increased by 312%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 2% year over year. Total crimes for Waynesboro has increased by 40% in the same time frame.

        Waynesboro police department

        Item Waynesboro Mississippi National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)174,806558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.83.3

        Sex offenders in Mississippi

        State Total offenders Mississippi /100K National /100K
        Mississippi11,060380266
        There are a total of 11,060 sex offenders in Mississippi. This yields a total of 380 sex offenders in Mississippi per 100,000 residents which is 43% 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
        Shubuta, MS4223452,4582,803
        Waynesboro, MS4,8821,0381,8542,892

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Clarks Summit, PA4,8821879881,175
        Brookridge, FL4,8812301,3881,618
        Cherokee Village, AR4,8833441,1931,537
        Flower Hill, NY4,883111447559
        Cherokee, IA4,8833041,4151,719
        Waynesboro, MS4,8821,0381,8542,892
        Source: The Waynesboro, MS 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.