Ephrata, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ephrata, WA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Ephrata crime rate is higher than the national average by 128.7%. Specifically, there were 20 violent crimes in Ephrata, equivalent to 236 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 36.1%. Furthermore, Ephrata recorded 430 property crimes, amounting to 5080 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 159.9%.

In Ephrata, the crime rate stands at 5316 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 128.72%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Ephrata that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

In the latest reported crime year, Ephrata 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.

Ephrata has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5080 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Ephrata is 1 in 20, which is far higher than the national average.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Ephrata ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 36 vehicle thefts, amounting to 425 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Ephrata within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 236.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ephrata?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ephrata residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 38% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ephrata were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 63% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ephrata a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Ephrata, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ephrata presents a total crime rate that is 129% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ephrata experiences an average of 1.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 1.18 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Ephrata 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 Ephrata 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 Ephrata has decreased by 10.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 16.7% and property crime has decreased by 10.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ephrata

In Ephrata, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Ephrata crime rates.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Ephrata crime rates. Ephrata registers a population density of 771.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Ephrata, 75.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Ephrata crime map