Kelso, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kelso, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Kelso crime rate is 118.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Kelso, there were 52 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 409 per 100,000 individuals, 10.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Kelso recorded 594 property crimes, amounting to 4669 per 100,000 residents, 138.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 5077 per 100,000 residents, Kelso experiences a crime rate that is 118.46% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Kelso contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Kelso has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 409 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Kelso has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in Kelso, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.

Kelso has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4669 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 Kelso is 1 in 22, which is far higher than the national average.

With a total of 68 vehicle thefts last year, Kelso has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 534 per 100,000 people. This lands Kelso in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 188.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kelso?

What do the local residents think about crime in Kelso? Well, based on a recent survey of 11 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 64% of Kelso residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 36% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Kelso a Safe Place to Live?

Is Kelso 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, Kelso has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 118%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.77 daily incidents, encompassing 0.14 violent crimes and 1.63 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kelso as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Kelso Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Kelso has increased by 31.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Kelso, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 23.8%, while property crime has increased by 32%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Kelso is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kelso

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Kelso crime rates. In Kelso, the poverty rate stands at 19.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Kelso reports an unemployment rate of 4.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Kelso crime rates.

In Kelso, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.16 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Kelso crime map