Washington, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Washington, IA

The Washington crime rates are 0.9% 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 30 violent crimes in Washington (416 per 100,000 people), which is 12.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 136 property crimes (1887 per 100,000 residents) which is 3.5% lower than average.

When evaluating the Washington crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Washington crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Washington has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 416 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

During the most recently reported crime year, Washington experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Washington is very similar to the national average. Washington had a property crime rate of 1887, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

Is Washington a Safe Place to Live?

Is Washington 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, Washington has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 1%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.45 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Washington as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Washington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Washington. 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 Washington has decreased by 22.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 6.3%, while property crime has decreased by 25.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Washington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Washington

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Washington crime rates. In Washington, the poverty rate stands at 13.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Washington, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Washington has an average rental rate of $856 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.

Washington crime map