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Property Crime Surge in Oskaloosa, Kansas: A Small City's Emerging Challenge
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Oskaloosa, located in Kansas, presents an interesting case study in property crime trends. From 2011 to 2015, the city experienced a significant increase in total property crimes, rising from 0 to 26 incidents. This represents a substantial change, especially considering the population fluctuated from 2,298 in 2011 to 2,321 in 2015, a modest growth of about 1%.
The burglary rate in the city saw a notable increase between 2011 and 2015. In 2011, there were no reported burglaries, but by 2015, this number had risen to 10 incidents. This translates to approximately 4.3 burglaries per 1,000 residents in 2015. More significantly, these 10 burglaries accounted for 0.09% of all burglaries in Kansas that year, a considerable proportion given the city's small size. This surge in burglaries could indicate a growing concern for property security in the area.
Larceny-theft also showed an upward trend during this period. From zero incidents in 2011, the number increased to 15 in 2015, equating to about 6.5 thefts per 1,000 residents. These thefts represented 0.03% of all larceny-thefts in Kansas for that year. The rise in larceny-theft, while concerning, appears to be less severe in proportion to the state's total when compared to burglaries.
Motor vehicle theft, while less prevalent, still saw an increase. There was one reported incident in 2015, up from zero in 2011. This single theft represented 0.02% of all motor vehicle thefts in Kansas that year. Although the number is small, it's worth noting given the city's limited population and previous absence of such crimes.
Arson rates remained stable at zero incidents from 2011 to 2015, suggesting that this particular type of property crime was not a significant issue for the community during this period.
When examining correlations between property crime trends and other demographic factors, a few notable patterns emerge. The increase in property crimes coincided with a slight decrease in the percentage of owner-occupied housing, which fell from 84% in 2013 to 72% in 2015. This could potentially indicate a relationship between property ownership and crime rates. Additionally, the median income rose from $53,829 in 2013 to $58,601 in 2015, suggesting that the increase in property crimes was not directly linked to a decline in economic conditions.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next seven years (up to 2029, which is five years from now in 2024) is challenging given the limited data available. However, if the trends observed between 2011 and 2015 continue, we might expect to see a further increase in property crimes, particularly in burglaries and larceny-thefts. The rate of increase may slow as the community and law enforcement respond to these trends.
In summary, Oskaloosa experienced a notable rise in property crimes between 2011 and 2015, with burglaries and larceny-thefts showing the most significant increases. These changes occurred despite relatively stable population figures and increasing median income, suggesting that other factors may be influencing crime rates. The city's law enforcement and community leaders may need to address these trends to prevent further escalation of property crimes in the coming years.
