| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watervliet/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 1,155 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 121.6 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 425.5 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 547 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 121.6 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7 | n/a | 425.5 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 60.8 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 608 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
The Watervliet crime rates are 45.5% 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 9 violent crimes in Watervliet (547 per 100,000 people), which is 52.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 10 property crimes (608 per 100,000 residents) which is 65.5% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Watervliet 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.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Watervliet has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 608 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Watervliet remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Watervliet to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Watervliet and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Watervliet 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 Watervliet crime rate is 46% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.05 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Watervliet. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Watervliet has decreased by 13.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 50%, while property crimes have decreased by 37.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Watervliet crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Watervliet has an unemployment rate of 1.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Watervliet, there are 0.58 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In Watervliet, the median home price stands at $159,228, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Watervliet | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.6 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stevensville, MI | 1,112 | 131 | 418 | 549 |
| Lake Michigan Beach, MI | 1,142 | 140 | 445 | 585 |
| Shoreham, MI | 858 | 175 | 557 | 732 |
| Coloma, MI | 1,346 | 178 | 565 | 743 |
| Paw Paw Lake, MI | 3,649 | 186 | 590 | 776 |
| Lawrence, MI | 939 | 297 | 792 | 1,089 |
| Hartford, MI | 2,651 | 162 | 1,338 | 1,500 |
| Watervliet, MI | 2,160 | 547 | 608 | 1,155 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Village of Four Seasons, MO | 2,160 | 92 | 385 | 476 |
| Cascade, IA | 2,160 | 90 | 479 | 569 |
| Hoyt Lakes, MN | 2,160 | 141 | 884 | 1,025 |
| Coalgate, OK | 2,161 | 120 | 842 | 962 |
| Walnut Cove, NC | 2,161 | 179 | 939 | 1,118 |
| Watervliet, MI | 2,160 | 547 | 608 | 1,155 |
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