| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Petal/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 522 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 8.7 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 52.2 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 69.5 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 130 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 147.8 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 24 | n/a | 208.6 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 34.8 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 391 | 1,363 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Petal is 75.4% 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 Petal, there were 15 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 130 per 100,000 individuals, 63.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 45 property crimes, amounting to 391 per 100,000 residents, 77.8% lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a crime rate of 522, well below the national average of 2119, Petal emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Petal to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Petal has a property crime rate of 391 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Petal is a safe place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Petal? Well, based on a recent survey of 12 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 67% of Petal residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 33% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Petal, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Petal presents a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Petal experiences an average of 0.16 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.12 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Petal. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Petal has decreased by 13%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 16.7%. 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 Petal, the poverty rate currently stands at 13.6%, 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 Petal crime rates.
In Petal, the cost of living is 10.9% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Petal has a median home price of $240,278, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Petal | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Mississippi /100K | National /100K |
| Mississippi | 11,060 | 380 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arnold Line, MS | 1,700 | 66 | 428 | 494 |
| Rawls Springs, MS | 1,746 | 74 | 483 | 557 |
| West Hattiesburg, MS | 6,083 | 133 | 861 | 993 |
| Purvis, MS | 2,276 | 51 | 970 | 1,021 |
| New Augusta, MS | 474 | 277 | 1,800 | 2,077 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 47,823 | 222 | 3,465 | 3,687 |
| Petal, MS | 10,849 | 130 | 391 | 522 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Martin, TN | 10,847 | 298 | 1,085 | 1,383 |
| North Branch, MN | 10,855 | 107 | 157 | 264 |
| Mount Sinai, NY | 10,841 | 146 | 662 | 808 |
| Cadillac, MI | 10,841 | 469 | 2,459 | 2,928 |
| South Yarmouth, MA | 10,841 | 297 | 1,048 | 1,344 |
| Petal, MS | 10,849 | 130 | 391 | 522 |
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