Shelton, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Shelton, WA

The Shelton crime rates are 71.7% 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 66 violent crimes in Shelton (594 per 100,000 people), which is 60.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 377 property crimes (3396 per 100,000 residents) which is 73.8% higher than average.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Shelton stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Shelton, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Shelton faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 56 vehicle thefts, translating to 504 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Shelton in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 199.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Shelton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Shelton? Well, based on a recent survey of 30 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Shelton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Shelton a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Shelton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Shelton presents a total crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Shelton experiences an average of 1.21 daily crimes, comprising 0.18 violent incidents and 1.03 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 Shelton Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Shelton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Shelton has increased by 2.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 24.5%, while property crime has increased by 0.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Shelton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Shelton

In Shelton, the poverty rate currently stands at 23.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Shelton crime rates.

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 Shelton, the cost of living is 3.11% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Shelton has an average rental rate of $1,037 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Shelton crime map