Forest, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Forest, MS

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Forest is 43.1% 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 Forest, there were 40 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 760 per 100,000 individuals, 105.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 135 property crimes, amounting to 2566 per 100,000 residents, 31.3% higher than the U.S. average.

Forest has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 760 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Forest falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 132 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Forest ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Forest, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Forest?

What do the local residents think about crime in Forest? Well, based on a recent survey of 6 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 33% of Forest residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 67% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Forest a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Forest 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, Forest has an overall crime rate that is 43% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.48 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Forest as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Forest Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Forest. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Forest has decreased by 0.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 29%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.9%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forest

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Forest crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Forest has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Forest, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The median home price in Forest is $98,500, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Forest crime map