West Point, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Point, MS

When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Point crime rate is 47.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of West Point, there were 86 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 869 per 100,000 individuals, 135.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, West Point recorded 253 property crimes, amounting to 2557 per 100,000 residents, 30.9% higher than the U.S. average.

West Point ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 869 per 100,000 people, West Point is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 116 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in West Point, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. West Point stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In West Point, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Is West Point a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West Point 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 Point crime rate is 47% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.93 crimes per day - 0.24 violent crimes and 0.69 property crimes.

Has Crime in West Point Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Point. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Point has increased by 1.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 22.9%, while property crimes have increased by 4.2%. 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 Point

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 Point, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

West Point has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.85 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.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in West Point is $93,300, compared to a national average of $184,700.

West Point crime map