| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterville/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 717 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 33.3 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 100.0 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 133 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 83.4 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 30 | n/a | 500.2 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 584 | 1,551 | 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 66.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes reported in Waterville, equivalent to 133 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 62.9%. Additionally, Waterville recorded 35 property crimes, amounting to 584 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66.9%.
Waterville proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 717, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Waterville as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
Waterville showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
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 584 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 contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Waterville stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Waterville residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 83% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Waterville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 17% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
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 66% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.12 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.1 daily property crimes) in Waterville.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waterville has increased by 48.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waterville, 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 300%, while property crime has increased by 29.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waterville is a safe place to live.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Waterville, 93.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 Waterville, the cost of living is 5.76% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Waterville is $380,836, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Waterville | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Whitehouse, OH | 4,795 | 20 | 157 | 177 |
| Haskins, OH | 1,153 | 69 | 362 | 430 |
| Perrysburg, OH | 22,288 | 28 | 447 | 474 |
| Pemberville, OH | 1,466 | 80 | 423 | 503 |
| Luckey, OH | 1,056 | 99 | 521 | 619 |
| Delta, OH | 2,900 | 91 | 576 | 667 |
| Liberty Center, OH | 1,077 | 117 | 616 | 732 |
| Waterville, OH | 5,717 | 133 | 584 | 717 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Germantown, OH | 5,717 | 103 | 775 | 878 |
| New Carlisle, OH | 5,716 | 314 | 1,654 | 1,968 |
| Cresaptown, MD | 5,718 | 546 | 2,667 | 3,213 |
| Paoli, PA | 5,719 | 80 | 467 | 547 |
| Dumfries, VA | 5,715 | 134 | 1,103 | 1,236 |
| Waterville, OH | 5,717 | 133 | 584 | 717 |