| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Branch/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 821 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 43.2 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 86.4 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 130 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 43.2 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 14 | n/a | 604.8 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 43.2 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 691 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Branch is 64.7% lower 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 West Branch, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 130 per 100,000 individuals, 65% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 16 property crimes, amounting to 691 per 100,000 residents, 64.6% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, West Branch registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, West Branch maintains a property crime rate of 691 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of West Branch as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
Is West Branch a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, West Branch has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 65%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of West Branch as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in West Branch. 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 West Branch has decreased by 34.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 40%, while property crime has decreased by 33.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Branch.
In West Branch, the poverty rate currently stands at 18.1%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in West Branch crime rates.
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. West Branch, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. West Branch has a median home price of $89,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | West Branch | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Rose City, MI | 671 | 0 | 535 | 535 |
| St. Helen, MI | 2,868 | 273 | 910 | 1,184 |
| Skidway Lake, MI | 3,289 | 337 | 1,124 | 1,462 |
| Lupton, MI | 299 | 644 | 2,147 | 2,791 |
| West Branch, MI | 2,052 | 130 | 691 | 821 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Belle Rose, LA | 2,052 | 277 | 1,210 | 1,487 |
| Mount Olive, IL | 2,052 | 145 | 850 | 995 |
| Tieton, WA | 2,053 | 209 | 1,862 | 2,071 |
| Grandview, TX | 2,051 | 210 | 1,116 | 1,326 |
| Hopewell, TN | 2,051 | 172 | 637 | 810 |
| West Branch, MI | 2,052 | 130 | 691 | 821 |
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