Waterloo, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waterloo, WI

The Waterloo crime rates are 74% 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 9 violent crimes in Waterloo (259 per 100,000 people), which is 30% lower than the national average and there were a total of 12 property crimes (345 per 100,000 residents) which is 82.3% lower than average.

Waterloo enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 604, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Waterloo as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Waterloo showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Waterloo records a property crime rate of 345 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Waterloo as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Waterloo emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

Is Waterloo a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waterloo a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Waterloo crime rate is 74% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.06 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes.

Has Crime in Waterloo Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Waterloo has decreased by 52.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Waterloo is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 25%, while property crime has decreased by 62.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Waterloo.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the poverty rate currently stands at 19.5%, 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 Waterloo crime rates.

Waterloo has a population density of 878.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Waterloo crime rates.

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 Waterloo, the cost of living is 4.71% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Waterloo crime map