Mount Vernon, IN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Mount Vernon, IN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Mount Vernon is 17.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes reported in Mount Vernon, equivalent to 266 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 28%. Additionally, Mount Vernon recorded 106 property crimes, amounting to 1661 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 15%.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Mount Vernon stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Mount Vernon, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Is Mount Vernon a Safe Place to Live?

Is Mount Vernon 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, Mount Vernon has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 17%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.34 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.29 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Mount Vernon as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in Mount Vernon

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Mount Vernon, 83.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

In Mount Vernon, the cost of living is 12.78% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Mount Vernon, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.25, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Mount Vernon crime map