| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Southaven/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,340 | n/a (estimate) | 2,329 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.7 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 20.9 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 31.3 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 144 | n/a | 250.3 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 175 | n/a (estimate) | 304 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 98 | n/a | 170.3 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 928 | n/a | 1,612.9 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 139 | n/a | 241.6 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,165 | n/a (estimate) | 2,025 | 1,363 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Southaven is 9.9% higher 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 Southaven, there were 175 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 individuals, 15.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1165 property crimes, amounting to 2025 per 100,000 residents, 15% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Southaven per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Southaven, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Southaven residents. Out of the respondents (30 in total), 47% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Southaven were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 53% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Southaven is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Southaven has a total crime rate that is 10% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.67 daily crimes (0.48 violent daily crimes and 3.19 daily property crimes) in Southaven.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Southaven has decreased by 24.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Southaven, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 10.8%, while property crime has decreased by 28%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Southaven is a safe place to live.
Southaven has a population density of 1383.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Southaven crime rates.
Southaven has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.6 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.
In Southaven, the average rental rates are $1,607 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Southaven | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 130 | 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 |
| Bridgetown, MS | 2,646 | 33 | 214 | 247 |
| Lynchburg, MS | 2,272 | 54 | 353 | 407 |
| Hernando, MS | 16,752 | 92 | 474 | 565 |
| Walls, MS | 1,451 | 77 | 499 | 576 |
| Germantown, TN | 40,725 | 168 | 1,177 | 1,345 |
| Horn Lake, MS | 28,196 | 110 | 1,399 | 1,509 |
| Bartlett, TN | 61,391 | 250 | 1,283 | 1,533 |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 304 | 2,025 | 2,329 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 370 | 1,651 | 2,021 |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 42 | 1,501 | 1,543 |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 150 | 585 | 735 |
| Oak Lawn, IL | 57,180 | 180 | 1,727 | 1,907 |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 173 | 905 | 1,078 |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 304 | 2,025 | 2,329 |