| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waycross/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 827 | n/a (estimate) | 6,061 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.3 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 109.9 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 117.3 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 109 | n/a | 798.9 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 141 | n/a (estimate) | 1,033 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 77 | n/a | 564.4 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 568 | n/a | 4,163.0 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 41 | n/a | 300.5 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 686 | n/a (estimate) | 5,028 | 1,675 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Waycross crime rate is higher than the national average by 186%. Specifically, there were 141 violent crimes in Waycross, equivalent to 1033 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 187.8%. Furthermore, Waycross recorded 686 property crimes, amounting to 5028 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 185.7%.
With a total of 6061 crimes per 100,000 people, the Waycross crime rates stand at 186.02 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Waycross, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
With a violent crime rate of 1033 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waycross is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Waycross ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 97 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Waycross reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5028 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to property crime in Waycross, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Waycross residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 21 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Waycross 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, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Waycross 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, Waycross has an overall crime rate that is 186% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.27 daily occurrences, comprising 0.39 violent crimes and 1.88 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waycross as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waycross. 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 Waycross has increased by 11.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 11%, while property crime has increased by 12.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waycross.
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. Waycross, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Waycross crime rates. For instance, in Waycross, the population density stands at 1177.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Waycross has an average rental rate of $988 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Waycross | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 69 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Georgia /100K | National /100K |
| Georgia | 23,117 | 275 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Deenwood, GA | 2,343 | 154 | 789 | 943 |
| Sunnyside, GA | 1,264 | 161 | 829 | 990 |
| Blackshear, GA | 3,573 | 162 | 1,002 | 1,164 |
| Patterson, GA | 834 | 379 | 1,949 | 2,328 |
| Hoboken, GA | 721 | 396 | 2,033 | 2,429 |
| Offerman, GA | 822 | 527 | 2,707 | 3,234 |
| Waycross, GA | 13,957 | 1,033 | 5,028 | 6,061 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Snoqualmie, WA | 13,954 | 45 | 1,070 | 1,116 |
| Mount Vernon, VA | 13,952 | 83 | 598 | 681 |
| Ridge, NY | 13,941 | 306 | 1,383 | 1,689 |
| Oatfield, OR | 13,973 | 161 | 1,163 | 1,324 |
| Grover Beach, CA | 13,974 | 320 | 1,160 | 1,480 |
| Waycross, GA | 13,957 | 1,033 | 5,028 | 6,061 |
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