Norton Shores, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Norton Shores, MI

The Norton Shores crime rates are 9.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 58 violent crimes in Norton Shores (230 per 100,000 people), which is 37.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 583 property crimes (2311 per 100,000 residents) which is 18.3% higher than average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Norton Shores per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Norton Shores, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Is Norton Shores a Safe Place to Live?

Is Norton Shores 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, Norton Shores has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 9%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.76 daily incidents, encompassing 0.16 violent crimes and 1.6 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Norton Shores as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Norton Shores Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Norton Shores. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Norton Shores has increased by 16.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 26.1%, while property crimes have increased by 15.2%. 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 Norton Shores

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 Norton Shores, the cost of living is 9.62% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Norton Shores, there are 1.26 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Norton Shores, the average rental rates are $978 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Norton Shores crime map