| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterloo/100k people | Nebraska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 554 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 43.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 20.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 332.2 | 154.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 332 | 221 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 155.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 221.5 | 1,218.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 252.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 221 | 1,627 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Waterloo is 73.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes reported in Waterloo, equivalent to 332 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 7.5%. Additionally, Waterloo recorded 2 property crimes, amounting to 221 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 87.4%.
Waterloo has a crime rate of 554, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Waterloo being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
The violent crime rate in Waterloo closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 332 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Waterloo as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Waterloo reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
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, Waterloo has a property crime rate of 221 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Waterloo is a safe place to live.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Waterloo stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Waterloo, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waterloo presents a total crime rate that is 74% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waterloo experiences an average of 0.01 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Waterloo, 89% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Waterloo, the cost of living is 8.65% lower than the national average.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Waterloo, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Waterloo | Nebraska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 2,523 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Nebraska /100K | National /100K |
| Nebraska | 6,070 | 345 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Valley, NE | 2,937 | 0 | 273 | 273 |
| Bennington, NE | 2,124 | 42 | 314 | 356 |
| Springfield, NE | 1,628 | 62 | 461 | 523 |
| Arlington, NE | 1,701 | 66 | 486 | 552 |
| Yutan, NE | 1,110 | 72 | 532 | 604 |
| Papillion, NE | 24,905 | 34 | 1,004 | 1,038 |
| Gretna, NE | 5,207 | 126 | 935 | 1,062 |
| Waterloo, NE | 1,090 | 332 | 221 | 554 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bethlehem, NH | 1,090 | 0 | 508 | 508 |
| Mortons Gap, KY | 1,090 | 103 | 656 | 759 |
| Silver Lake, IN | 1,090 | 133 | 586 | 719 |
| Skyline, AL | 1,090 | 169 | 735 | 904 |
| Utica, NE | 1,090 | 72 | 531 | 603 |
| Waterloo, NE | 1,090 | 332 | 221 | 554 |
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