West Allis, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Allis, WI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Allis is 24.5% 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 West Allis, there were 168 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 286 per 100,000 individuals, 22.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1530 property crimes, amounting to 2607 per 100,000 residents, 33.4% higher than the U.S. average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and West Allis has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, West Allis reported 281 vehicle thefts, which equates to 479 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in West Allis is 1 in 209.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Allis?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of West Allis residents. Out of the respondents (31 in total), 52% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in West Allis were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 48% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is West Allis a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if West Allis 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. West Allis has a total crime rate that is 25% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.65 daily crimes (0.46 violent daily crimes and 4.19 daily property crimes) in West Allis.

Has Crime in West Allis Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in West Allis. 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 West Allis has decreased by 7.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 12.8%, while property crime has decreased by 9.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Allis.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Allis

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower West Allis crime rate. The poverty level in West Allis is 11.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In West Allis, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.63, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

West Allis has an average rental rate of $851 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

West Allis crime map