| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Picayune/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 342 | n/a (estimate) | 2,884 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 16.9 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 33.7 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 8.4 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 126.5 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 185 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 278.2 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 254 | n/a | 2,141.6 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 33 | n/a | 278.2 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 320 | n/a (estimate) | 2,698 | 1,363 | 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 Picayune crime rate is higher than the national average by 36.1%. Specifically, there were 22 violent crimes in Picayune, equivalent to 185 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 48.3%. Furthermore, Picayune recorded 320 property crimes, amounting to 2698 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 53.3%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Picayune stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Picayune, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Picayune? Well, based on a recent survey of 18 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 44% of Picayune residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 56% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Picayune 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, Picayune has an overall crime rate that is 36% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.94 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 0.88 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Picayune as a potential place to establish residency.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Picayune crime rates. The population density in Picayune is 871.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Picayune, the cost of living is 11.16% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Picayune has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.41 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Picayune | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 48 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 |
| Hide-A-Way Lake, MS | 2,290 | 33 | 214 | 247 |
| Kiln, MS | 2,513 | 64 | 413 | 477 |
| Nicholson, MS | 2,566 | 91 | 591 | 682 |
| Lacombe, LA | 7,465 | 261 | 1,153 | 1,414 |
| Sun, LA | 541 | 736 | 3,250 | 3,986 |
| Picayune, MS | 11,292 | 185 | 2,698 | 2,884 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ontario, OR | 11,298 | 436 | 3,149 | 3,585 |
| New Baltimore, VA | 11,303 | 83 | 598 | 681 |
| Poulsbo, WA | 11,279 | 155 | 1,692 | 1,847 |
| Maynard, MA | 11,308 | 242 | 743 | 985 |
| Suffern, NY | 11,308 | 298 | 1,350 | 1,648 |
| Picayune, MS | 11,292 | 185 | 2,698 | 2,884 |
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