Waterville, ME Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waterville, ME

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waterville is 93.7% 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 Waterville, there were 33 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 207 per 100,000 individuals, 44.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 686 property crimes, amounting to 4295 per 100,000 residents, 119.8% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 4502 per 100,000 residents, Waterville experiences a crime rate that is 93.69% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Waterville contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

In the latest reported crime year, Waterville 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.

Waterville faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4295 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Waterville stands at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waterville?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Waterville. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 63% of people felt that there was very little crime in Waterville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 38% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Waterville a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Waterville, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waterville presents a total crime rate that is 94% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waterville experiences an average of 1.97 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 1.88 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Waterville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waterville. 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 Waterville has increased by 3.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 5.7%, while property crime has increased by 4.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waterville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waterville

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Waterville crime rates. Waterville registers a population density of 1228.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Waterville, 84.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

In Waterville, the cost of living is 2.04% 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.

Waterville crime map