Lucedale, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lucedale, MS

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Lucedale crime rate is higher than the national average by 126.6%. Specifically, there were 31 violent crimes in Lucedale, equivalent to 1040 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 181.2%. Furthermore, Lucedale recorded 126 property crimes, amounting to 4227 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 116.3%.

Having a crime rate of 5267 per 100,000 residents, Lucedale experiences a crime rate that is 126.6% 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, Lucedale 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.

With a violent crime rate of 1040 crimes per 100,000 residents, Lucedale is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Lucedale ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 97 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

During the most recently reported crime year, Lucedale experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

With a property crime rate of 4227 crimes per 100,000 people, Lucedale unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lucedale is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Lucedale is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Lucedale reported a total of 16 vehicle thefts, resulting in 537 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 187, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

Is Lucedale a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lucedale 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. Lucedale has a total crime rate that is 127% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.43 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.35 daily property crimes) in Lucedale.

Has Crime in Lucedale Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lucedale has increased by 19.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lucedale, 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 72.2%, while property crime has increased by 11.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lucedale is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lucedale

Lucedale has a poverty rate of 23.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

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 Lucedale 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. Lucedale has an unemployment rate of 7.1%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Lucedale has an average rental rate of $803 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.

Lucedale crime map