Sparta, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sparta, WI

The Sparta crime rates are 61.7% higher 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 57 violent crimes in Sparta (576 per 100,000 people), which is 55.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 315 property crimes (3182 per 100,000 residents) which is 62.8% higher than average.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Sparta ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Sparta, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Is Sparta a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sparta 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. Sparta has a total crime rate that is 62% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.02 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.86 daily property crimes) in Sparta.

Has Crime in Sparta Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Sparta has increased by 116.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Sparta is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 42.5%, while property crime has increased by 138.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Sparta.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sparta

Sparta has a population density of 1217.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Sparta crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sparta, 87.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Sparta has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.97 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Sparta crime map