Webster City, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Webster City, IA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Webster City crime rate is 49.6% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Webster City, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 247 per 100,000 individuals, 33.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Webster City recorded 71 property crimes, amounting to 923 per 100,000 residents, 52.8% lower than the U.S. average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Webster City 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.

Is Webster City a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Webster City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Webster City has an overall crime rate that is 50% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.25 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Webster City as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Webster City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Webster City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Webster City has decreased by 5.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 13.6% and property crime has decreased by 2.7%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Webster City

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. Webster City, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Webster City, the cost of living is 13.76% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

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 Webster City is $92,600, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Webster City crime map