| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Alton/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 426 | n/a (estimate) | 1,924 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 13.6 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 22.6 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 18.1 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 173 | n/a | 781.4 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 185 | n/a (estimate) | 836 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 176.2 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 177 | n/a | 799.5 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | n/a | 112.9 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 241 | n/a (estimate) | 1,089 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Alton crime rate is 9.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Alton, there were 185 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 836 per 100,000 individuals, 132.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Alton recorded 241 property crimes, amounting to 1089 per 100,000 residents, 38.2% lower than the U.S. average.
The Alton crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Alton, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Alton ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 836 per 100,000 people, Alton is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Alton, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Alton is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Alton, which equates to 14 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Alton being a very dangerous place to live.
To determine if Alton 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. Alton has a total crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.17 daily crimes (0.51 violent daily crimes and 0.66 daily property crimes) in Alton.
Year-over-year crime rates in Alton has increased by 48.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Alton 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 110.2%, while property crime has increased by 21.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Alton.
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 Alton crime rates. The population density in Alton is 2500.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Alton, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.34 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 Alton stands at $147,046, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

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| Item | Alton | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Penitas, TX | 6,311 | 127 | 1,065 | 1,192 |
| La Joya, TX | 4,512 | 120 | 1,122 | 1,242 |
| Perezville, TX | 2,752 | 199 | 1,044 | 1,243 |
| Abram, TX | 1,597 | 208 | 1,089 | 1,297 |
| Mission, TX | 86,021 | 189 | 1,148 | 1,337 |
| Pharr, TX | 80,998 | 222 | 1,136 | 1,358 |
| Palmview South, TX | 2,885 | 229 | 1,203 | 1,432 |
| Alton, TX | 18,261 | 836 | 1,089 | 1,924 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wisconsin Rapids, WI | 18,260 | 532 | 1,892 | 2,424 |
| Santa Fe Springs, CA | 18,267 | 906 | 6,161 | 7,066 |
| Natchitoches, LA | 18,243 | 891 | 4,385 | 5,276 |
| Maitland, FL | 18,243 | 125 | 1,353 | 1,479 |
| North Babylon, NY | 18,242 | 284 | 1,286 | 1,570 |
| Alton, TX | 18,261 | 836 | 1,089 | 1,924 |