Ottawa, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ottawa, KS

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ottawa is 1.9% lower 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 Ottawa, there were 49 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 389 per 100,000 individuals, 5.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 238 property crimes, amounting to 1891 per 100,000 residents, 3.2% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Ottawa per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Ottawa, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Ottawa exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 389 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Ottawa as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

In the most recently reported crime year, Ottawa registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Ottawa maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Ottawa, 1891 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Is Ottawa a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Ottawa 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. Ottawa has a total crime rate that is 2% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.79 daily crimes (0.13 violent daily crimes and 0.65 daily property crimes) in Ottawa.

Has Crime in Ottawa Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ottawa. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Ottawa has increased by 46.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 29%, while property crime has increased by 50.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Ottawa.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ottawa

Ottawa has a population density of 1192.5 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Ottawa crime rates.

In Ottawa, the cost of living is 22.21% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Ottawa, the median home price stands at $114,700, 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.

Ottawa crime map