Riverside, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Riverside, 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 Riverside is 41.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Riverside, equivalent to 177 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 52.2%. Additionally, Riverside recorded 27 property crimes, amounting to 1192 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 39%.

Riverside showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Riverside a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Riverside is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Riverside has an overall crime rate that is 41% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.08 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.07 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Riverside as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Riverside Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Riverside crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Riverside has decreased by 24.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 33.3% and property crime has decreased by 29%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Riverside

In Riverside, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Riverside crime rates.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Riverside crime rates. The population density in Riverside is 239.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Riverside, the cost of living is 10.28% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Riverside crime map