Dalton, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dalton, GA

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 Dalton is 22% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 127 violent crimes reported in Dalton, equivalent to 371 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 0.2%. Additionally, Dalton recorded 845 property crimes, amounting to 2465 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 26.1%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Dalton has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 371 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dalton?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Dalton residents. Out of the respondents (15 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Dalton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Dalton a Safe Place to Live?

Is Dalton 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, Dalton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 22%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.66 daily incidents, encompassing 0.35 violent crimes and 2.32 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Dalton as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dalton

Dalton reports an unemployment rate of 3.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Dalton crime rates.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Dalton crime rates. The population density in Dalton is 1585.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Dalton, the cost of living is 14.31% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Dalton crime map