| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bay St. Louis/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 270 | n/a (estimate) | 2,477 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 9.2 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 9.2 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 27.5 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 73.4 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 119 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 60 | n/a | 550.4 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 171 | n/a | 1,568.7 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 238.5 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 257 | n/a (estimate) | 2,358 | 1,363 | 1,760 |
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 Bay St. Louis is 16.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes reported in Bay St. Louis, equivalent to 119 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 66.8%. Additionally, Bay St. Louis recorded 257 property crimes, amounting to 2358 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 34%.
With only 119 incidents per 100,000 people, Bay St. Louis boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Bay St. Louis has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bay St. Louis. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 64% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bay St. Louis and felt safe walking alone at night. While 36% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Bay St. Louis 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, Bay St. Louis has an overall crime rate that is 17% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.74 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Bay St. Louis as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Bay St. Louis. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Bay St. Louis has decreased by 18.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 43.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 16.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Bay St. Louis has a poverty rate that stands at 17.9, 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 Bay St. Louis 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.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bay St. Louis crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bay St. Louis has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Bay St. Louis, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.08 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Bay St. Louis | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Mississippi /100K | National /100K |
| Mississippi | 11,060 | 380 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| DeLisle, MS | 1,661 | 29 | 191 | 221 |
| Lyman, MS | 2,375 | 33 | 214 | 247 |
| Kiln, MS | 2,513 | 64 | 413 | 477 |
| Diamondhead, MS | 8,346 | 74 | 478 | 552 |
| Henderson Point, MS | 286 | 94 | 613 | 707 |
| Pass Christian, MS | 6,223 | 0 | 808 | 808 |
| Long Beach, MS | 16,179 | 82 | 991 | 1,073 |
| Bay St. Louis, MS | 13,930 | 119 | 2,358 | 2,477 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntington, VA | 13,931 | 83 | 598 | 681 |
| Celina, TX | 13,935 | 124 | 1,343 | 1,467 |
| Gladeview, FL | 13,938 | 337 | 1,793 | 2,130 |
| Ridge, NY | 13,941 | 306 | 1,383 | 1,689 |
| Canton, IL | 13,910 | 340 | 2,017 | 2,356 |
| Bay St. Louis, MS | 13,930 | 119 | 2,358 | 2,477 |
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