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Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Ridgeland, Mississippi, presents an intriguing case study in property crime trends over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the city experienced fluctuations in total property crimes, with a notable overall decrease from 632 incidents in 2010 to 463 in 2022, representing a 26.7% reduction. This decline occurred against a backdrop of modest population growth, from 25,512 in 2010 to 26,758 in 2022, a 4.9% increase.
Burglary rates in the city have shown a significant downward trend. In 2010, there were 84 burglaries, which decreased to 76 in 2022, a 9.5% reduction. When adjusted for population, the burglary rate fell from 3.29 per 1,000 residents in 2010 to 2.84 per 1,000 in 2022. Interestingly, while the number of burglaries decreased, the city's share of state burglaries increased from 0.49% in 2010 to 2.31% in 2022. This suggests that while the city improved its burglary situation, it outperformed the state average in this regard.
Larceny-theft, the most common property crime in the city, saw a substantial decrease over the period. In 2010, there were 522 larceny-thefts, which dropped to 350 in 2022, a 33% reduction. The rate per 1,000 residents decreased from 20.46 in 2010 to 13.08 in 2022. Despite this decrease, the city's share of state larceny-thefts increased from 1.56% to 2.47%, indicating that the city's improvement outpaced the state average.
Motor vehicle theft trends showed a different pattern. The number of incidents increased from 26 in 2010 to 37 in 2022, a 42.3% rise. The rate per 1,000 residents grew from 1.02 in 2010 to 1.38 in 2022. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts also increased significantly, from 0.8% to 2.18%, suggesting that this crime type became relatively more prevalent in the city compared to the state average.
Arson cases in the city were sporadic and low in number. The data shows only a few reported cases over the years, with no clear trend. The city's share of state arson cases fluctuated between 0% and 0.68% during the period, with no reported cases in several years, including 2022.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. The city's population density increased slightly from 971 per square mile in 2010 to 1,018 in 2022, while median income rose from $67,233 in 2013 to $75,626 in 2022. During this period, the overall property crime rate decreased, suggesting a possible inverse relationship between income levels and property crime.
The racial composition of the city also shifted during this period, with the white population decreasing from 56% in 2013 to 48% in 2022, while the black population increased from 35% to 40%. The Hispanic population also grew from 3% to 6%. These demographic changes coincided with the overall decrease in property crimes, though a direct causal relationship cannot be established without further analysis.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continuation of the overall downward trend in total property crimes. Based on the historical data, we can project that burglaries and larceny-thefts are likely to continue decreasing, while motor vehicle thefts may continue to rise moderately. However, these projections should be interpreted cautiously, as unforeseen factors can influence crime rates.
In summary, Ridgeland has experienced a significant reduction in overall property crime rates from 2010 to 2022, particularly in burglaries and larceny-thefts. This improvement occurred alongside population growth, increasing median income, and shifting demographics. The city's performance in reducing property crimes appears to have outpaced the state average in several categories. However, the rise in motor vehicle thefts presents an area of concern that may require targeted interventions. These trends provide valuable insights for local law enforcement and policymakers in developing strategies to further enhance public safety in Ridgeland.