Wooster, OH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wooster, OH

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 Wooster is 13.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 73 violent crimes reported in Wooster, equivalent to 273 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 26.2%. Additionally, Wooster recorded 633 property crimes, amounting to 2366 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 21.1%.

The Wooster crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Wooster, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wooster?

What do the local residents think about crime in Wooster? Well, based on a recent survey of 29 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 31% of Wooster residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 69% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Wooster a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wooster 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 Wooster crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.93 crimes per day - 0.2 violent crimes and 1.73 property crimes.

Has Crime in Wooster Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wooster has decreased by 14.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wooster, 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 decreased by 2.7%, while property crime has decreased by 15.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wooster is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wooster

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wooster, 84.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Wooster, the cost of living is 14.49% lower than the national average.

Wooster has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.42 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.

Wooster crime map