| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wiggins/100k people | Mississippi/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 146 | n/a (estimate) | 3,430 | 1,574 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 23.5 | 7.4 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 94.0 | 29.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 187.9 | 155.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 305 | 211 | 359 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 352.4 | 235.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 114 | n/a | 2,677.9 | 982.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 94.0 | 145.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 133 | n/a (estimate) | 3,124 | 1,363 | 1,760 |
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 Wiggins is 61.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes reported in Wiggins, equivalent to 305 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 15%. Additionally, Wiggins recorded 133 property crimes, amounting to 3124 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 77.5%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Wiggins stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Wiggins, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 23 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wiggins, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wiggins presents a total crime rate that is 62% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wiggins experiences an average of 0.4 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.36 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wiggins. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wiggins has decreased by 15.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 50%, while property crimes have decreased by 9.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Wiggins, 70.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Wiggins, the cost of living is 15.64% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Wiggins, there are 4.54 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 | Wiggins | Mississippi | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 4,806 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.5 | 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 |
| Wiggins, MS | 4,667 | 305 | 3,124 | 3,430 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cornelia, GA | 4,667 | 249 | 1,282 | 1,531 |
| Placitas, NM | 4,667 | 186 | 715 | 901 |
| West Bay Shore, NY | 4,668 | 130 | 587 | 717 |
| Castle Pines Village, CO | 4,666 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| Flourtown, PA | 4,665 | 64 | 373 | 437 |
| Wiggins, MS | 4,667 | 305 | 3,124 | 3,430 |
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