Wauwatosa, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wauwatosa, WI

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 Wauwatosa is 18.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 94 violent crimes reported in Wauwatosa, equivalent to 199 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 46.1%. Additionally, Wauwatosa recorded 1201 property crimes, amounting to 2547 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 30.3%.

In the latest reported crime year, Wauwatosa 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.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Wauwatosa is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Wauwatosa reported a total of 246 vehicle thefts, resulting in 522 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 192, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wauwatosa?

AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Wauwatosa to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Wauwatosa and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Wauwatosa a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Wauwatosa is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Wauwatosa has an overall crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.55 daily occurrences, comprising 0.26 violent crimes and 3.29 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Wauwatosa as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Wauwatosa Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wauwatosa has decreased by 5.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wauwatosa, 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 36.2%, while property crime has decreased by 7.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wauwatosa is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa has a poverty rate of 5.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Wauwatosa has a population density of 3639.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Wauwatosa crime rates.

In Wauwatosa, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

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