West Bend, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Bend, WI

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 West Bend is 0.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 68 violent crimes reported in West Bend, equivalent to 214 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 42.1%. Additionally, West Bend recorded 677 property crimes, amounting to 2131 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 9%.

When evaluating the West Bend crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported West Bend crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

During the most recently reported crime year, West Bend experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

West Bend exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2131 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that West Bend maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is West Bend a Safe Place to Live?

Is West Bend a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, West Bend has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 1%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.04 daily incidents, encompassing 0.19 violent crimes and 1.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of West Bend as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in West Bend 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 West Bend 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 West Bend has increased by 54.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 70% and property crime has increased by 53.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Bend

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower West Bend crime rates. In West Bend, the poverty rate stands at 7.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

West Bend reports an unemployment rate of 2.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall West Bend crime rates.

West Bend has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.3 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.

West Bend crime map