West Melbourne, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Melbourne, FL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Melbourne is 32.4% lower 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 Melbourne, there were 68 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 233 per 100,000 individuals, 37.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 391 property crimes, amounting to 1338 per 100,000 residents, 31.5% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recently reported crime year, West Melbourne 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Melbourne?

AreaVibes surveyed 13 local residents in West Melbourne to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 23% of people answered that there was very little crime in West Melbourne and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 77% 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.

Is West Melbourne a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West Melbourne 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 West Melbourne crime rate is 32% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.26 crimes per day - 0.19 violent crimes and 1.07 property crimes.

Has Crime in West Melbourne Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Melbourne. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Melbourne has increased by 6%. Violent crimes have increased by 41.7%, while property crimes have increased by 1.6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Melbourne

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. West Melbourne, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In West Melbourne, 90.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.

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 Melbourne, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.1, 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 Melbourne crime map