| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lake Wales/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 298 | n/a (estimate) | 1,772 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 23.8 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 17.8 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 202.2 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 41 | n/a (estimate) | 244 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 190.3 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 200 | n/a | 1,189.6 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | n/a | 148.7 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 257 | n/a (estimate) | 1,529 | 1,420 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lake Wales is 16.4% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lake Wales, there were 41 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 244 per 100,000 individuals, 32.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 257 property crimes, amounting to 1529 per 100,000 residents, 13.2% lower than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Lake Wales 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Lake Wales? Well, based on a recent survey of 17 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 53% of Lake Wales residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 47% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Lake Wales 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, Lake Wales has an overall crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.82 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lake Wales as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lake Wales has increased by 1.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lake Wales is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 4.7%, while property crime has increased by 2.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lake Wales.
In Lake Wales, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, 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 Lake Wales crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lake Wales, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.15 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Lake Wales, the median home price stands at $319,906, 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Lake Wales | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Florida /100K | National /100K |
| Florida | 53,771 | 330 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Babson Park, FL | 1,481 | 109 | 580 | 689 |
| Eagle Lake, FL | 2,839 | 115 | 613 | 728 |
| Grenelefe, FL | 3,141 | 125 | 665 | 790 |
| Crooked Lake Park, FL | 1,644 | 130 | 693 | 823 |
| Highland Park, FL | 210 | 145 | 772 | 917 |
| Haines City, FL | 26,146 | 132 | 794 | 926 |
| Alturas, FL | 3,859 | 159 | 847 | 1,006 |
| Lake Wales, FL | 16,926 | 244 | 1,529 | 1,772 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Gainesville, TX | 16,922 | 164 | 1,624 | 1,788 |
| Country Club Hills, IL | 16,930 | 329 | 2,546 | 2,876 |
| Douglas, AZ | 16,920 | 78 | 1,569 | 1,647 |
| East Riverdale, MD | 16,911 | 481 | 2,345 | 2,826 |
| Four Corners, OR | 16,909 | 395 | 2,847 | 3,241 |
| Lake Wales, FL | 16,926 | 244 | 1,529 | 1,772 |
Here are the best places to live in Florida
See the best places to live in Lake Wales
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Florida
Safest Cities In The US