Waynesboro, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, MS

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Waynesboro is 24.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 47 violent crimes reported in Waynesboro, equivalent to 1038 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 180.6%. Additionally, Waynesboro recorded 84 property crimes, amounting to 1854 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 5.1%.

Waynesboro ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1038 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Waynesboro stand at 1 in every 97 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Waynesboro stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Waynesboro, a total of 3 murders were reported, equating to 66 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Waynesboro maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Waynesboro, 1854 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Is Waynesboro a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Waynesboro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waynesboro presents a total crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waynesboro experiences an average of 0.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.13 violent incidents and 0.23 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Waynesboro crime rates. The population density in Waynesboro is 384.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Waynesboro, the cost of living is 20.75% lower 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 Waynesboro, the average monthly rent stands at $477, while the national average is $949 per month.

Waynesboro crime map