| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterville/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 171 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 114.0 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 114 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1 | n/a | 57.0 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 57 | 1,606 | 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 Waterville is 91.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes reported in Waterville, equivalent to 114 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 68.3%. Additionally, Waterville recorded 1 property crimes, amounting to 57 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 96.8%.
Waterville enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 171, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Waterville as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Waterville shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 114 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Waterville an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Waterville experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Waterville has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 57 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Waterville remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Waterville was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
To determine if Waterville 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. Waterville has a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0 daily property crimes) in Waterville.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waterville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Waterville has decreased by 76.9%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 90.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waterville.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Waterville crime rate. The poverty level in Waterville is 8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Waterville, the current unemployment rate stands at 2%, 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 Waterville crime rates.
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 Waterville crime rates. The population density in Waterville is 1116.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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| Item | Waterville | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cleveland, MN | 819 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Le Center, MN | 2,727 | 119 | 0 | 119 |
| Janesville, MN | 2,588 | 121 | 403 | 523 |
| Madison Lake, MN | 1,106 | 76 | 531 | 607 |
| Waseca, MN | 9,195 | 195 | 965 | 1,161 |
| Faribault, MN | 24,714 | 308 | 1,129 | 1,437 |
| Elysian, MN | 723 | 216 | 1,351 | 1,568 |
| Waterville, MN | 1,898 | 114 | 57 | 171 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kingstown, MD | 1,898 | 165 | 807 | 972 |
| Troy, TN | 1,898 | 253 | 870 | 1,123 |
| Lynnwood-Pricedale, PA | 1,898 | 103 | 600 | 703 |
| South Paris, ME | 1,898 | 43 | 492 | 535 |
| Encantada-Ranchito-El Calaboz, TX | 1,898 | 201 | 1,052 | 1,253 |
| Waterville, MN | 1,898 | 114 | 57 | 171 |