A
63%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
58%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2023 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2024; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWestby/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime20n/a (estimate)8481,5062,281
Murder0n/a0.04.85.7
Rape0n/a0.036.538.0
Robbery0n/a0.038.766.5
Assault1n/a42.4208.6264.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)42289364
Burglary2n/a84.8128.9250.7
Theft17n/a721.0919.91,347.2
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0168.1318.7
Property crime19n/a (estimate)8061,2171,917

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westby, WI

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Westby crime rate is lower than the national average by 36.2%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Westby, equivalent to 127 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 65.6%. Furthermore, Westby recorded 32 property crimes, amounting to 1356 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 30.6%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Westby 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.

Is Westby a Safe Place to Live?

Is Westby 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, Westby has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 36%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Westby as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Westby Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Westby has increased by 6.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Westby, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has increased by 0%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Westby is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westby

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Westby, the cost of living is 16.37% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Westby, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.35, 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.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Westby, the average monthly rent stands at $835, while the national average is $949 per month.

Westby crime map



The Westby crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Westby as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Westby crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Westby crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

Compare Westby, WI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Westby crime rates are 63% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Westby are 88% lower than the national average
      • In Westby you have a 1 in 118 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Westby is safer than 64% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Westby has decreased by 43%

      Westby, WI Crime Quiz

      • 1. Which city in Wisconsin has the least crime per 100,000 people?
      • 2. Which city in Wisconsin has the most crime per 100,000 people?
      • 3. How many crimes (per 100,000 people) occur in Westby each year?
      • 4. Is the Westby crime rate higher or lower than the Wisconsin average?
      • 5. Westby is safer than 43% of all other cities in Wisconsin.
       
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      Daily Crime In Westby (per 100,000 people)

      How Safe is Westby (higher is better)

      Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Westby

      The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Westby is 1 in 2359
      The chance of being a victim of property crime in Westby is 1 in 125
      The chance of being a victim of crime in Westby is 1 in 118

      Year Over Year Crime In Westby (per 100,000 people)

      Westby police department

      Item Westby Wisconsin National
      Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)39,355558,732
      Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.42.43.3
      There are a total of 3 Westby police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 43.4% less than the Wisconsin average and 58.4% less than the National average.

      Sex offenders in Wisconsin

      State Total offenders Wisconsin /100K National /100K
      Wisconsin24,983456266
      There are a total of 24,983 sex offenders in Wisconsin. This yields a total of 456 sex offenders in Wisconsin per 100,000 residents which is 71% greater than the national average.

      Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

      City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
      Norwalk, WI7130169169
      St. Joseph, WI5932761,1621,438
      Chaseburg, WI3343101,3051,614
      Coon Valley, WI9373121,3151,627
      Cashton, WI9613201,3461,666
      Melvina, WI803471,4631,810
      La Farge, WI9303631,5271,890
      Westby, WI2,38742806848

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
      Warson Woods, MO2,3870304304
      Horse Cave, KY2,3872211,1061,327
      Richland, MO2,3884031,6692,071
      Sylvania, AL2,38656611667
      Loveland Park, OH2,38845265310
      Westby, WI2,38742806848
      Source: The Westby, WI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2023. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.