| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Merrill/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 236 | n/a (estimate) | 2,620 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 22.2 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 11.1 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 166.6 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 200 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 111.0 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 203 | n/a | 2,254.1 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 55.5 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 218 | n/a (estimate) | 2,421 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
The Merrill crime rates are 23.7% 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 18 violent crimes in Merrill (200 per 100,000 people), which is 44.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 218 property crimes (2421 per 100,000 residents) which is 37.5% higher than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Merrill recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Merrill residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 6 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 100% of Merrill residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 0% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Merrill, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Merrill presents a total crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Merrill experiences an average of 0.65 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.6 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Merrill. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Merrill has increased by 4.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 14.3%, while property crime has increased by 6.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Merrill.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Merrill crime rate. The poverty level in Merrill is 12.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Merrill reports an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Merrill crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Merrill, the cost of living is 16.6% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Merrill | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Maine, WI | 2,654 | 69 | 286 | 355 |
| Brokaw, WI | 242 | 271 | 1,126 | 1,397 |
| Merrill, WI | 9,442 | 200 | 2,421 | 2,620 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tiburon, CA | 9,444 | 46 | 1,120 | 1,166 |
| Westwood, MI | 9,439 | 310 | 986 | 1,296 |
| Calimesa, CA | 9,446 | 113 | 1,739 | 1,852 |
| Beecher, MI | 9,446 | 598 | 1,901 | 2,499 |
| White Marsh, MD | 9,436 | 327 | 1,596 | 1,923 |
| Merrill, WI | 9,442 | 200 | 2,421 | 2,620 |
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