Pontotoc, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Pontotoc, MS

The Pontotoc crime rates are 61% 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 26 violent crimes in Pontotoc (451 per 100,000 people), which is 21.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 190 property crimes (3292 per 100,000 residents) which is 68.5% higher than average.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Pontotoc. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 40% of people felt that there was very little crime in Pontotoc and felt safe walking alone at night. While 60% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Pontotoc a Safe Place to Live?

Is Pontotoc 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, Pontotoc has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 61%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.59 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.52 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Pontotoc as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in Pontotoc

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 Pontotoc, the cost of living is 20.8% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Pontotoc has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 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.

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 Pontotoc is $143,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Pontotoc crime map