| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elwood/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 5,427 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 355.9 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 1,156.6 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 1,512 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 1,423.5 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 22 | n/a | 1,957.3 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 533.8 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 3,915 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Elwood crime rate is higher than the national average by 156.1%. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes in Elwood, equivalent to 1512 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 321.2%. Furthermore, Elwood recorded 44 property crimes, amounting to 3915 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 122.4%.
In Elwood, the crime rate stands at 5427 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 156.09%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Elwood that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Elwood ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1512 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Elwood stand at 1 in every 67 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
Elwood showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Elwood has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3915 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Elwood is 1 in 26, which is far higher than the national average.
With a total of 6 vehicle thefts last year, Elwood has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 534 per 100,000 people. This lands Elwood in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 188.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Elwood 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 Elwood crime rate is 156% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.17 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.
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 Elwood 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. Elwood has an unemployment rate of 1%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Elwood, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 4.07, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Elwood is $135,169, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Elwood | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Savannah, MO | 5,277 | 118 | 473 | 591 |
| Country Club, MO | 2,550 | 153 | 643 | 796 |
| Wathena, KS | 1,561 | 160 | 712 | 872 |
| Atchison, KS | 10,863 | 151 | 1,330 | 1,481 |
| Agency, MO | 722 | 390 | 1,640 | 2,031 |
| Troy, KS | 793 | 502 | 2,237 | 2,739 |
| Cosby, MO | 206 | 551 | 2,313 | 2,864 |
| Elwood, KS | 980 | 1,512 | 3,915 | 5,427 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Frederica, DE | 980 | 478 | 2,310 | 2,788 |
| Morristown, MN | 980 | 309 | 1,934 | 2,243 |
| Mantua, OH | 980 | 268 | 1,411 | 1,679 |
| Thornport, OH | 980 | 119 | 627 | 745 |
| Marrowstone, WA | 980 | 132 | 996 | 1,128 |
| Elwood, KS | 980 | 1,512 | 3,915 | 5,427 |