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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Excel, Alabama, presents an intriguing case study in property crime trends. Over the period from 2010 to 2022, the city experienced significant fluctuations in both its property crime rates and population. The total number of property crimes increased from 8 in 2010 to 22 in 2022, marking a 175% increase. Conversely, the population decreased from 2,086 in 2010 to 1,745 in 2022, a 16.3% decline. This divergence between crime rates and population trends warrants a closer examination of the various property crime categories.
Burglary incidents in the city have shown a notable increase over time. In 2010, there was only one reported burglary, which rose to 7 in 2022, representing a 600% increase. When considering population trends, the burglary rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.48 in 2010 to 4.01 in 2022. The city's share of state burglaries also grew significantly, from 0% in 2010 to 0.06% in 2022. This surge in burglaries, both in absolute numbers and relative to the state, suggests a growing concern for property security within the community.
Larceny-theft trends show a different pattern. While the number of incidents doubled from 7 in 2010 to 14 in 2022, the increase was not as dramatic as burglary. The larceny-theft rate per 1,000 people rose from 3.36 in 2010 to 8.02 in 2022. The city's contribution to state larceny-theft figures increased from 0.01% to 0.03% over the same period. This moderate increase in larceny-theft, when compared to the more significant rise in burglaries, may indicate a shift in criminal behavior or law enforcement focus within the city.
Motor vehicle theft in the city has fluctuated over the years. From zero reported cases in 2010, it peaked at 4 in 2012, and then settled at 1 in 2022. The rate per 1,000 people went from 0 in 2010 to 0.57 in 2022. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts increased from 0% in 2010 to 0.01% in 2022. This relatively low and stable rate of motor vehicle theft suggests that it may not be a primary concern for law enforcement in the city.
Arson cases in the city have remained low but consistent. Data shows one reported case in 2011, 2021, and 2022. The arson rate per 1,000 people was 0.40 in 2011 and 0.57 in 2022. Notably, the city's contribution to state arson cases increased from 0.18% in 2011 to 0.19% in 2022. This significant percentage of state arsons, despite the low absolute numbers, could indicate a disproportionate arson problem in the city relative to its size.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. There appears to be a strong negative correlation between population density and property crime rates. As the population density decreased from 1,266 per square mile in 2010 to 1,059 in 2022, property crimes increased. Additionally, there seems to be a relationship between homeownership rates and crime. The percentage of owner-occupied homes decreased from 83% in 2013 to 72% in 2020, coinciding with an increase in property crimes. This suggests that lower homeownership rates may be associated with higher property crime rates in the city.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continued increase in overall property crimes. Based on the current trajectory, burglaries are expected to rise to approximately 12 incidents per year, while larceny-theft may reach around 20 cases annually. Motor vehicle theft is predicted to remain relatively stable at 1-2 cases per year. Arson cases are forecasted to maintain their current rate of about one incident per year.
In conclusion, Excel has experienced a complex evolution in its property crime landscape from 2010 to 2022. The most significant changes have been observed in burglary and larceny-theft rates, which have increased substantially despite a decreasing population. The city's growing contribution to state-level crime statistics, particularly in arson cases, highlights the need for targeted crime prevention strategies. The inverse relationship between population density, homeownership rates, and property crime rates suggests that socio-economic factors play a crucial role in the city's crime dynamics. As Excel looks toward the future, addressing these trends will be essential for improving public safety and community well-being.