| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elma/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 1,760 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 28.9 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 28.9 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 28.9 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 144.3 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 231 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 317.5 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 38 | n/a | 1,096.7 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 115.4 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 1,530 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Elma crime rate is 16.9% 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 Elma, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 231 per 100,000 individuals, 35.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Elma recorded 53 property crimes, amounting to 1530 per 100,000 residents, 13.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Elma has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Elma, which is 29 murders per 100,000 people.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Elma a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Elma crime rate is 17% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.17 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.15 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Elma. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Elma has decreased by 19.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 26.4%. 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 Elma, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Elma crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Elma, 78.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Elma, the median home price stands at $325,869, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Elma | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McCleary, WA | 2,133 | 294 | 245 | 538 |
| Central Park, WA | 3,527 | 155 | 1,175 | 1,330 |
| Oakville, WA | 667 | 411 | 1,096 | 1,507 |
| Montesano, WA | 4,157 | 95 | 1,528 | 1,623 |
| Satsop, WA | 652 | 310 | 2,346 | 2,657 |
| Shelton, WA | 10,858 | 476 | 2,396 | 2,872 |
| Malone, WA | 350 | 347 | 2,623 | 2,970 |
| Elma, WA | 3,420 | 231 | 1,530 | 1,760 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lyons, NY | 3,420 | 276 | 1,247 | 1,523 |
| West Lake Hills, TX | 3,420 | 97 | 2,837 | 2,934 |
| Georgetown, IN | 3,420 | 72 | 316 | 388 |
| Red Springs, NC | 3,420 | 886 | 4,366 | 5,252 |
| Pagedale, MO | 3,420 | 1,807 | 3,613 | 5,420 |
| Elma, WA | 3,420 | 231 | 1,530 | 1,760 |