| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wildwood/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 270 | n/a (estimate) | 5,275 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 58.6 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 58.6 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 273.5 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 391 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 214.9 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 217 | n/a | 4,239.9 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 429.9 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 250 | n/a (estimate) | 4,885 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Wildwood is 148.9% 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 Wildwood, there were 20 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 391 per 100,000 individuals, 8.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 250 property crimes, amounting to 4885 per 100,000 residents, 177.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 5275 crimes per 100,000 people, the Wildwood crime rates stand at 148.94 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 Wildwood, 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.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Wildwood has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 391 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wildwood reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Wildwood has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4885 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Wildwood is 1 in 21, which is far higher than the national average.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Wildwood faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 22 vehicle thefts, translating to 430 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Wildwood in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 233.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Wildwood residents. Out of the respondents (40 in total), 45% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Wildwood were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 55% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wildwood a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Wildwood crime rate is 149% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.74 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.68 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Wildwood. 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 Wildwood has decreased by 26%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 42.9%, while property crime has decreased by 24.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wildwood.
In Wildwood, the cost of living is 10.77% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Wildwood stands at $454,710, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Wildwood are $1,656, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Wildwood | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.1 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Cape May, NJ | 1,043 | 41 | 271 | 313 |
| Rio Grande, NJ | 2,827 | 86 | 566 | 653 |
| Cape May Point, NJ | 170 | 88 | 577 | 665 |
| Erma, NJ | 2,113 | 93 | 606 | 699 |
| Whitesboro, NJ | 2,644 | 113 | 741 | 854 |
| Diamond Beach, NJ | 206 | 123 | 807 | 930 |
| North Cape May, NJ | 3,886 | 124 | 810 | 934 |
| Wildwood, NJ | 5,110 | 391 | 4,885 | 5,275 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Paulden, AZ | 5,110 | 295 | 1,252 | 1,547 |
| Parker, TX | 5,111 | 31 | 358 | 389 |
| Imperial, MO | 5,109 | 258 | 1,083 | 1,340 |
| Bolivar, TN | 5,108 | 1,270 | 2,481 | 3,751 |
| Falmouth, VA | 5,107 | 100 | 723 | 824 |
| Wildwood, NJ | 5,110 | 391 | 4,885 | 5,275 |
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