Wetumpka, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wetumpka, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Wetumpka is 53.5% 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 Wetumpka, there were 12 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 164 per 100,000 individuals, 55.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 249 property crimes, amounting to 3403 per 100,000 residents, 74.1% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Wetumpka stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Wetumpka, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 14 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wetumpka?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Wetumpka. Based on the results of the surveys (6 responses), 17% of people felt that there was very little crime in Wetumpka and felt safe walking alone at night. While 83% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Wetumpka a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wetumpka 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 Wetumpka crime rate is 53% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.72 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.68 property crimes.

Has Crime in Wetumpka Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wetumpka has increased by 53.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wetumpka, 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 20%, while property crime has increased by 55.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wetumpka is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wetumpka

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 Wetumpka crime rate. The poverty level in Wetumpka is 11%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In Wetumpka, the cost of living is 11.18% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Wetumpka, the average rental rates are $807 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Wetumpka crime map