| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waveland/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 2,716 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 72.2 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 72 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 130.0 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 166 | n/a | 2,397.8 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 115.6 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 183 | n/a (estimate) | 2,643 | 1,363 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waveland is 28.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Waveland, there were 5 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 72 per 100,000 individuals, 79.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 183 property crimes, amounting to 2643 per 100,000 residents, 50.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Waveland has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 72 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Waveland ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Waveland 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Waveland? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Waveland residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Waveland 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. Waveland has a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.52 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.5 daily property crimes) in Waveland.
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 Waveland 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 Waveland has decreased by 16.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 28.6% and property crime has decreased by 15.7%.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Waveland, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Waveland has a population density of 768 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Waveland crime rates.
In Waveland, the median home price stands at $280,556, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Waveland | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Mississippi /100K | National /100K |
| Mississippi | 11,060 | 380 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| DeLisle, MS | 1,661 | 29 | 191 | 221 |
| Kiln, MS | 2,513 | 64 | 413 | 477 |
| Diamondhead, MS | 8,346 | 74 | 478 | 552 |
| Henderson Point, MS | 286 | 94 | 613 | 707 |
| Pass Christian, MS | 6,223 | 0 | 808 | 808 |
| Long Beach, MS | 16,179 | 82 | 991 | 1,073 |
| Pearlington, MS | 833 | 181 | 1,172 | 1,353 |
| Waveland, MS | 6,520 | 72 | 2,643 | 2,716 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brookhaven, WV | 6,522 | 91 | 424 | 515 |
| Ranchettes, WY | 6,516 | 66 | 401 | 467 |
| Skowhegan, ME | 6,525 | 138 | 3,713 | 3,851 |
| Belpre, OH | 6,527 | 106 | 578 | 684 |
| Steilacoom, WA | 6,528 | 91 | 776 | 868 |
| Waveland, MS | 6,520 | 72 | 2,643 | 2,716 |