Loading Content...
Property Crime Trends in Wyatt, Missouri: A Small City's Unique Demographic Shift
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Wyatt, located in Missouri, presents an interesting case study in property crime trends. With a population of 309 in 2022, this small community has experienced significant changes in both its demographic makeup and crime statistics over the years. In 2017, the city reported a total of 1 property crime, specifically a burglary incident. Interestingly, the population has decreased by 23.8% from 424 in 2017 to 309 in 2022, which provides a unique context for analyzing crime trends.
The burglary rate in the city shows a notable pattern. In 2017, there was one reported burglary, which equates to a rate of 2.36 burglaries per 1,000 residents. This single incident represented 0% of the state's total burglaries, indicating its minimal impact on statewide statistics. However, it's crucial to note that in a small population, even one incident can significantly affect the crime rate. The lack of reported burglaries in subsequent years suggests a potential improvement in property security or could be attributed to the declining population.
Larceny-theft trends in the city present an intriguing picture. The data shows no reported larceny-theft incidents in 2017, and there's no indication of any such crimes in the following years. This absence of larceny-theft is particularly noteworthy given the city's small size, where even a single incident would be highly visible in the statistics. The consistent lack of larceny-theft reports could suggest effective community vigilance or limited targets for such crimes in the area.
Regarding motor vehicle theft, the city has maintained a clean record with no reported incidents in 2017 or subsequent years. This is a positive indicator for the community, especially considering the declining population. The absence of motor vehicle thefts could be attributed to various factors, such as strong community bonds, effective law enforcement, or limited opportunities for such crimes in a small, rural setting.
Arson incidents in the city also show a blank slate, with no reported cases in 2017 or the years that followed. This absence of arson cases is particularly significant for a small community, as such incidents can have devastating effects on tight-knit populations. The consistent lack of arson reports suggests a stable and safe environment in terms of fire-related property crimes.
When examining correlations between property crime trends and other socioeconomic factors, a significant relationship emerges with the city's changing demographics. As the population decreased from 424 in 2017 to 309 in 2022, there was a corresponding decline in reported property crimes, from one incident to zero. This suggests that the shrinking population may have contributed to reduced opportunities for property crimes. Additionally, the increase in home ownership from 61% in 2017 to 71% in 2022 could indicate a more stable and invested community, potentially contributing to the reduction in property crimes.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continuation of the current low crime rates. Based on the consistent absence of reported property crimes since 2017 and the ongoing population decline, it's projected that Wyatt will likely maintain its low property crime profile. However, it's important to note that in such a small community, even a single incident could significantly impact crime rates.
In summary, Wyatt demonstrates a unique case where a declining population has coincided with a reduction in property crimes. The most significant discovery is the transition from one reported burglary in 2017 to no reported property crimes in subsequent years, despite the challenges that can come with a shrinking population. This trend, coupled with increasing home ownership, suggests a community that has become more secure and stable over time, potentially serving as a model for other small, rural communities facing similar demographic shifts.
