Petal, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Petal, MS

The Petal crime rates are 78.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 8 violent crimes in Petal (69 per 100,000 people), which is 81.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 49 property crimes (423 per 100,000 residents) which is 78.4% lower than average.

With a crime rate of 492, significantly below the national average of 2324, Petal stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

Petal shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 69 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Petal an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Petal 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.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Petal has a property crime rate of 423 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Petal is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Petal?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Petal residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 12 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 67% of Petal residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 33% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Petal a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Petal a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Petal crime rate is 79% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.16 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes.

Has Crime in Petal Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Petal has decreased by 17.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Petal, 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 46.7%, while property crime has decreased by 9.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Petal is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Petal

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 Petal crime rates. In Petal, the poverty rate stands at 13.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Petal, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The median home price in Petal is $136,900, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Petal crime map