Altoona, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Altoona, WI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Altoona is 14.1% 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 Altoona, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 86 per 100,000 individuals, 76.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 178 property crimes, amounting to 1910 per 100,000 residents, 2.3% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 86 incidents per 100,000 people, Altoona boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Altoona has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Altoona ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Altoona, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Altoona maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Altoona, 1910 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Is Altoona a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Altoona 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. Altoona has a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.51 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.49 daily property crimes) in Altoona.

Has Crime in Altoona Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Altoona has increased by 5.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Altoona is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 60%, while property crime has increased by 3.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Altoona.

Potential Causes for Crime in Altoona

In Altoona, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Altoona crime rates.

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 Altoona, there are 1.91 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.

Altoona has an average rental rate of $795 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Altoona crime map