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Property Crime Trends in Attica, Kansas: A Small City's Unique Challenges
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Attica, located in Kansas, presents an interesting case study in property crime trends. In 2019, the city reported a total of 10 property crimes, with a population of 743. This small community has experienced fluctuations in both its crime rates and population over recent years, warranting a closer examination of its property crime landscape.
The burglary rate in the city shows a concerning trend. In 2019, there were 2 reported burglaries, which equates to approximately 2.69 burglaries per 1,000 residents. This figure represented 0.03% of the state's total burglaries for that year. Given the city's small size, even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the per capita rate. The percentage of state burglaries attributed to this city, while small, is notable considering its population relative to the state.
Larceny-theft appears to be the most prevalent property crime in the area. In 2019, 8 larceny-theft incidents were reported, translating to about 10.77 incidents per 1,000 residents. This accounted for 0.02% of the state's total larceny-theft cases. The higher incidence of larceny-theft compared to other property crimes suggests it may be the primary concern for local law enforcement and residents.
Interestingly, the data shows no reported motor vehicle thefts or arson cases in 2019. This absence of incidents in these categories is noteworthy, especially given the presence of other property crimes. It could indicate effective prevention measures or simply reflect the characteristics of a small, rural community where such crimes are less common.
When examining correlations between property crime trends and other socioeconomic factors, a notable relationship emerges with population density and median income. The city's population density decreased from 1,171 per square mile in 2019 to 1,108 in 2022, while the median income fluctuated, dropping from $43,151 in 2019 to $37,582 in 2022. This decline in both population density and median income coincides with the period for which we have crime data, potentially indicating a connection between economic conditions and property crime rates.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a potential stabilization or slight decrease in overall property crime rates. This projection is based on the observed trends in population decline and economic indicators. However, it's important to note that in small communities, even minor fluctuations in incident numbers can lead to significant changes in per capita rates.
In summary, Attica's property crime landscape is characterized by a predominance of larceny-theft, with burglary as a secondary concern. The absence of motor vehicle theft and arson incidents in the reported year is a positive aspect of the city's crime profile. The relationship between declining population density, fluctuating median income, and property crime rates provides valuable insights for local policymakers and law enforcement in developing targeted strategies to maintain and improve community safety.
