Newton, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newton, AL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Newton is 57.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes reported in Newton, equivalent to 805 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 117.7%. Additionally, Newton recorded 46 property crimes, amounting to 2848 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 45.7%.

Newton ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 805 per 100,000 people, Newton is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Newton, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Newton 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.

Is Newton a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Newton 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. Newton has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.16 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.13 daily property crimes) in Newton.

Has Crime in Newton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Newton has increased by 73.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Newton, 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 333.3%, while property crime has increased by 48.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Newton is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Newton

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 Newton 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. Newton has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Newton, the median home price stands at $85,200, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Newton, the average rental rates are $675 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Newton crime map