Newton, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newton, KS

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Newton is 42.9% 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 Newton, there were 118 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 644 per 100,000 individuals, 74% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 491 property crimes, amounting to 2678 per 100,000 residents, 37% higher than the U.S. average.

In the latest reported crime year, Newton recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Newton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Newton? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 20% of Newton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 80% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

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 43% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.67 daily crimes (0.32 violent daily crimes and 1.35 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 3.6%. 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 decreased by 3.3%, while property crime has increased by 5.4%. 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

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 Newton crime rates. In Newton, the poverty rate stands at 10.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

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 1.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Newton, 84% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Newton crime map