| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watervliet/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 1,590 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 244.6 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 245 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 122.3 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 978.6 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 244.6 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 1,346 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
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 Watervliet is 31.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Watervliet, equivalent to 245 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 33.8%. Additionally, Watervliet recorded 22 property crimes, amounting to 1346 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 31.2%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Watervliet 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Watervliet residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Watervliet residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Watervliet a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Watervliet crime rate is 32% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.06 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Watervliet crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Watervliet has increased by 18.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33.3% and property crime has increased by 37.5%.
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 Watervliet crime rates. The population density in Watervliet is 1764.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Watervliet, the cost of living is 21.26% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Watervliet, there are 0.58 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Watervliet | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.6 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Eau Claire, MI | 763 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lawrence, MI | 918 | 0 | 197 | 197 |
| Stevensville, MI | 1,074 | 152 | 506 | 657 |
| Lake Michigan Beach, MI | 1,110 | 172 | 573 | 745 |
| Paw Paw Lake, MI | 3,520 | 193 | 645 | 838 |
| Coloma, MI | 1,315 | 203 | 676 | 879 |
| Shoreham, MI | 831 | 264 | 880 | 1,143 |
| Watervliet, MI | 2,082 | 245 | 1,346 | 1,590 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bellevue, IA | 2,082 | 126 | 588 | 715 |
| Fairmont City, IL | 2,082 | 317 | 1,312 | 1,628 |
| Genoa, OH | 2,082 | 133 | 807 | 940 |
| Morrisville, NY | 2,081 | 269 | 1,080 | 1,350 |
| Greenwich, NY | 2,083 | 196 | 789 | 985 |
| Watervliet, MI | 2,082 | 245 | 1,346 | 1,590 |
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