| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dayton/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 225 | n/a (estimate) | 2,251 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 20.0 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 20.0 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 90.0 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 130 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 35 | n/a | 350.1 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 148 | n/a | 1,480.4 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 290.1 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 212 | n/a (estimate) | 2,121 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
The Dayton crime rates are 6.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 13 violent crimes in Dayton (130 per 100,000 people), which is 63.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 212 property crimes (2121 per 100,000 residents) which is 20.5% higher than average.
In terms of the total Dayton crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Dayton, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Dayton experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Dayton residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Dayton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Dayton a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Dayton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.62 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Dayton as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Dayton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Dayton has increased by 26.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 31.6%, while property crimes have increased by 33.3%. 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.
In Dayton, the poverty rate currently stands at 7.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Dayton crime rates.
In Dayton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.37 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.
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 Dayton, the average monthly rent stands at $1,284, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Dayton | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Plum Grove, TX | 1,102 | 124 | 494 | 618 |
| Old River-Winfree, TX | 1,695 | 136 | 715 | 851 |
| Crosby, TX | 2,358 | 160 | 838 | 998 |
| Ames, TX | 1,106 | 197 | 1,034 | 1,231 |
| Sheldon, TX | 2,224 | 222 | 1,163 | 1,385 |
| Barrett, TX | 3,521 | 228 | 1,195 | 1,422 |
| Mont Belvieu, TX | 6,375 | 253 | 1,236 | 1,490 |
| Dayton, TX | 8,874 | 130 | 2,121 | 2,251 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Elsmere, KY | 8,876 | 98 | 832 | 930 |
| Forestdale, AL | 8,870 | 289 | 1,258 | 1,548 |
| Whitehouse, TX | 8,878 | 70 | 379 | 448 |
| Clayton, NJ | 8,878 | 141 | 751 | 892 |
| Wellington, CO | 8,869 | 365 | 1,988 | 2,353 |
| Dayton, TX | 8,874 | 130 | 2,121 | 2,251 |
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