| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Altoona/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 927 | n/a (estimate) | 2,185 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 75.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 31 | n/a | 73.1 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 78 | n/a | 183.9 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 335 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 141 | n/a | 332.4 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 595 | n/a | 1,402.5 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 115.5 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 785 | n/a (estimate) | 1,850 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Altoona crime rate is 3.1% higher 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 Altoona, there were 142 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 335 per 100,000 individuals, 6.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Altoona recorded 785 property crimes, amounting to 1850 per 100,000 residents, 5.1% higher than the U.S. average.
The Altoona 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 Altoona, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
The violent crime rate in Altoona closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 335 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Altoona as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Altoona exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1850 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Altoona maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Altoona residents. Out of the respondents (16 in total), 31% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Altoona were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 69% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Altoona 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, Altoona has an overall crime rate that is 3% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.54 daily occurrences, comprising 0.39 violent crimes and 2.15 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Altoona 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 Altoona. 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 Altoona has decreased by 1.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 46.2%, while property crime has decreased by 16.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Altoona.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Altoona currently has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Altoona crime rates. Altoona registers a population density of 4580.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Altoona, the cost of living is 9.12% lower than the national average.
| Item | Altoona | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 79 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Loretto, PA | 1,251 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Williamsburg, PA | 1,151 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Martinsburg, PA | 1,874 | 0 | 55 | 55 |
| Bellwood, PA | 1,625 | 0 | 57 | 57 |
| Gallitzin, PA | 1,658 | 0 | 59 | 59 |
| Portage, PA | 2,563 | 0 | 127 | 127 |
| Duncansville, PA | 1,230 | 0 | 166 | 166 |
| Altoona, PA | 44,840 | 335 | 1,850 | 2,185 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Salem, MA | 44,881 | 152 | 1,554 | 1,706 |
| Moorhead, MN | 44,762 | 365 | 1,675 | 2,041 |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | 44,960 | 218 | 1,664 | 1,881 |
| Riverton, UT | 44,974 | 72 | 897 | 968 |
| Urbandale, IA | 45,000 | 89 | 635 | 724 |
| Altoona, PA | 44,840 | 335 | 1,850 | 2,185 |
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