Palmer, AK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Palmer, AK

The Palmer crime rates are 11.3% lower 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 29 violent crimes in Palmer (460 per 100,000 people), which is 24.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 101 property crimes (1602 per 100,000 residents) which is 18% lower than average.

The Palmer crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Palmer, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

In the most recently reported crime year, Palmer registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Palmer?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Palmer residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Palmer were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Palmer a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Palmer, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Palmer presents a total crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Palmer experiences an average of 0.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.28 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 Palmer Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Palmer. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Palmer has increased by 31.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 123.1%, while property crimes have increased by 17.4%. 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 Palmer

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Palmer currently has an unemployment rate of 7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Palmer, the cost of living is 16.52% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Palmer, the average monthly rent stands at $974, while the national average is $949 per month.

Palmer crime map