Elba, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Elba, AL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Elba crime rate is 65.9% 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 Elba, there were 12 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 353 per 100,000 individuals, 4.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Elba recorded 119 property crimes, amounting to 3502 per 100,000 residents, 79.2% higher than the U.S. average.

Elba exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 353 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Elba as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Elba stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Elba, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 29 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Elba faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3502 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Elba stands at 1 in 29, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

Is Elba a Safe Place to Live?

Is Elba 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, Elba has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 66%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.36 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.33 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elba as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Elba Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Elba crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Elba has decreased by 1.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 40% and property crime has decreased by 5.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Elba

Elba has a population density of 252.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Elba crime rates.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Elba, the cost of living is 15.4% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Elba is $82,600, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Elba crime map