B
4%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
5%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleElma/100k peopleWashington/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime78n/a (estimate)2,2233,7322,324
Murder0n/a0.05.06.3
Rape2n/a57.039.240.0
Robbery0n/a0.086.866.1
Assault4n/a114.0244.7268.2
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)171376370
Burglary21n/a598.5563.0269.8
Theft43n/a1,225.42,154.01,401.9
Vehicle theft8n/a228.0639.3282.7
Property crime72n/a (estimate)2,0523,3561,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Elma, WA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Elma is 4.4% lower 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 Elma, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 171 per 100,000 individuals, 53.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 72 property crimes, amounting to 2052 per 100,000 residents, 5% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Elma crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Elma crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In the latest reported crime year, Elma recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Elma exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2052 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Elma maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Elma a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Elma is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Elma has an overall crime rate that is 4% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.21 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.2 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Elma as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Elma Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Elma. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Elma has increased by 2.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 0%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Elma.

Potential Causes for Crime in Elma

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 Elma crime rates. The population density in Elma is 1293.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Elma, the cost of living is 2.07% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Elma, the average rental rates are $823 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.

Elma crime map



The Elma crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Elma 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 Elma crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Elma 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.
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Compare Elma, WA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Elma crime rates are 4% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Elma are 54% lower than the national average
      • In Elma you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Elma is safer than 48% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Elma has decreased by 1%

      Elma, WA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Elma (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Elma (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Elma

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Elma is 1 in 585
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Elma is 1 in 49
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Elma is 1 in 45

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

        Elma police department

        Item Elma Washington National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)88,169558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.62.23.3
        There are a total of 8 Elma police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 18.1% greater than the Washington average and 21.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Washington

        State Total offenders Washington /100K National /100K
        Washington6,688107266
        There are a total of 6,688 sex offenders in Washington. This yields a total of 107 sex offenders in Washington per 100,000 residents which is 60% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Montesano, WA4,002241,2631,287
        Central Park, WA3,4421831,6321,815
        McCleary, WA2,0572101,8782,089
        Shelton, WA10,4675943,3963,990
        Brady, WA8134233,7724,194
        Satsop, WA6384974,4324,929
        Malone, WA3415004,4674,967
        Elma, WA3,2991712,0522,223

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Heavener, OK3,2984321,0971,529
        Heron Bay, GA3,3001858531,039
        Hartford, SD3,300138635772
        Hauula, HI3,2981351,2631,398
        Cherryvale, SC3,2982801,3161,596
        Elma, WA3,2991712,0522,223
        Source: The Elma, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.