| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 1,418 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 185.0 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 185 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 123.3 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 12 | n/a | 739.8 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 369.9 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 1,233 | 2,032 | 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 Watertown is 33.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes reported in Watertown, equivalent to 185 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 48.5%. Additionally, Watertown recorded 20 property crimes, amounting to 1233 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 29.9%.
In the latest reported crime year, Watertown 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.
Is Watertown a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Watertown has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 33%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.06 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Watertown as a potential place to call home.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Watertown crime rates. In Watertown, the poverty rate stands at 16.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Watertown, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Watertown crime rates.
In Watertown, the average rental rates are $1,254 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 | Watertown | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Carthage, TN | 1,630 | 124 | 310 | 435 |
| Gordonsville, TN | 1,606 | 434 | 578 | 1,012 |
| Lebanon, TN | 36,126 | 345 | 1,034 | 1,378 |
| Auburntown, TN | 347 | 598 | 2,053 | 2,650 |
| Carthage, TN | 2,623 | 532 | 2,173 | 2,705 |
| Liberty, TN | 360 | 624 | 2,142 | 2,767 |
| Dowelltown, TN | 361 | 660 | 2,264 | 2,924 |
| Watertown, TN | 1,741 | 185 | 1,233 | 1,418 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Princeville, IL | 1,741 | 123 | 732 | 855 |
| Houghton, NY | 1,741 | 210 | 950 | 1,160 |
| Bernice, LA | 1,741 | 265 | 1,171 | 1,437 |
| Katonah, NY | 1,742 | 53 | 241 | 295 |
| Sesser, IL | 1,742 | 108 | 54 | 162 |
| Watertown, TN | 1,741 | 185 | 1,233 | 1,418 |
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