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Property Crime Data Absent in Montezuma, Kansas: Demographics Reveal Stable Small City
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Montezuma, Kansas, a small city in the heartland of America, presents an intriguing case study in demographic trends, despite the absence of reportable property crime data. From 2010 to 2022, the city experienced fluctuating population growth, with the number of residents increasing from 1,246 to 1,439. This growth was accompanied by a modest rise in median income, from $55,724 in 2013 to $57,295 in 2022, indicating a relatively stable economic environment. The percentage of owner-occupied housing remained consistently high, ranging between 72% and 82% over the same period, suggesting a community with strong roots and investment in local property.
The racial composition of Montezuma has undergone subtle shifts in recent years. While the city has maintained a predominantly white population, there has been a slight decrease from 93% in 2019 to 80% in 2022. Concurrent with this change, the Hispanic population has seen notable growth, increasing from 6% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. These demographic shifts reflect broader trends of increasing diversity in many small American cities.
Interestingly, the property crime data for Montezuma from 2017 to 2020 shows no reported incidents across all categories, including burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. This consistent reporting of zero property crimes over multiple years is unusual and warrants further investigation. It may indicate an exceptionally low crime rate, which would be a positive attribute for the community. However, it could also suggest potential issues with data collection or reporting methods in this small city setting.
The lack of reported property crimes makes it impossible to analyze trends, calculate crime rates, or draw correlations between crime and demographic factors. This data gap presents challenges for law enforcement planning, policy-making, and community safety initiatives. It also highlights the importance of accurate and consistent crime reporting, even in small communities where incidents may be infrequent.
Despite the absence of crime data, the demographic information provides valuable insights into the character of Montezuma. The city appears to be a stable, slowly growing community with a strong base of homeowners. The gradual increase in median income suggests economic resilience, while the changes in racial composition indicate a slowly diversifying population. These factors contribute to a picture of a small city navigating the subtle changes common to many rural American communities in the early 21st century.
For a comprehensive understanding of public safety and community dynamics in Montezuma, it would be beneficial to investigate the reasons behind the lack of reported property crimes. This could involve examining local law enforcement practices, community policing strategies, or potential barriers to crime reporting. Additionally, comparing Montezuma's situation with similar-sized cities in Kansas or neighboring states could provide context for these unusual crime statistics and help determine if this is a local anomaly or part of a broader regional trend.
