Hattiesburg, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hattiesburg, MS

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hattiesburg is 107.5% higher 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 Hattiesburg, there were 161 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 344 per 100,000 individuals, 7.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 2099 property crimes, amounting to 4479 per 100,000 residents, 129.2% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4823 crimes per 100,000 people, the Hattiesburg crime rates stand at 107.5 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Hattiesburg, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Hattiesburg has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 344 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.

Hattiesburg faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4479 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 Hattiesburg stands at 1 in 23, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hattiesburg?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Hattiesburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 42 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 38% of Hattiesburg residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 62% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Hattiesburg a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Hattiesburg 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, Hattiesburg has an overall crime rate that is 108% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.19 daily occurrences, comprising 0.44 violent crimes and 5.75 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hattiesburg as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Hattiesburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Hattiesburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Hattiesburg has decreased by 11%. Violent crimes have decreased by 15.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 10.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hattiesburg

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Hattiesburg crime rates. In Hattiesburg, the poverty rate stands at 32%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Hattiesburg reports an unemployment rate of 5.8%, 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 Hattiesburg crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Hattiesburg is $110,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Hattiesburg crime map