Lake Wales, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lake Wales, FL

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 Lake Wales crime rate is higher than the national average by 36.8%. Specifically, there were 101 violent crimes in Lake Wales, equivalent to 601 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 62.6%. Furthermore, Lake Wales recorded 433 property crimes, amounting to 2578 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 31.9%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lake Wales reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lake Wales?

What do the local residents think about crime in Lake Wales? Well, based on a recent survey of 16 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Lake Wales residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lake Wales a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lake Wales is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Lake Wales has a total crime rate that is 37% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.46 daily crimes (0.28 violent daily crimes and 1.19 daily property crimes) in Lake Wales.

Has Crime in Lake Wales Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lake Wales. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lake Wales has increased by 81.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 134.9%, while property crimes have increased by 72.5%. 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 Lake Wales

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 Lake Wales crime rates. Lake Wales registers a population density of 876.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Lake Wales, 74.7% 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.

Lake Wales has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.15 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Lake Wales crime map