Westwood, KS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westwood, KS

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Westwood crime rate is higher than the national average by 143.9%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Westwood, equivalent to 231 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 37.4%. Furthermore, Westwood recorded 94 property crimes, amounting to 5437 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 178.2%.

In Westwood, the crime rate stands at 5668 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 143.87%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Westwood that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

In the most recently reported crime year, Westwood registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Westwood has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5437 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Westwood is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Westwood is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Westwood reported a total of 12 vehicle thefts, resulting in 694 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 145, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

Is Westwood a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Westwood is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Westwood has a total crime rate that is 144% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.27 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.26 daily property crimes) in Westwood.

Has Crime in Westwood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westwood. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westwood has increased by 66.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 33.3%, while property crimes have increased by 67.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westwood

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 Westwood crime rates. In Westwood, the poverty rate stands at 4.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Westwood has a population density of 4245.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Westwood crime rates.

In Westwood, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Westwood crime map