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Violent Crime Trends in Wetumpka: A Decade of Significant Decline
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Wetumpka, a city in Alabama, has experienced fluctuations in violent crime rates over the past decade, set against a backdrop of modest population changes. From 2011 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes in Wetumpka decreased by 63.64%, from 33 incidents to 12. During this same period, the population decreased slightly by 1.08%, from 11,913 to 11,784 residents.
Murder rates in Wetumpka have shown significant variability over the years. The city reported no murders from 2011 to 2015, but then experienced a spike in 2016 with 4 murders, representing 1.73% of the state's total. This equated to a rate of 0.35 murders per 1,000 residents. The murder rate then declined, with 2 murders in 2017 (0.17 per 1,000), 1 in 2018 (0.09 per 1,000), and no murders reported in 2021. In 2022, there was 1 murder, accounting for 0.27% of Alabama's total. This fluctuation suggests that while murder remains a concern, it is not a consistent problem in the city.
Rape incidents in Wetumpka have shown a general downward trend. In 2011, there were 3 reported rapes (0.25 per 1,000 residents), accounting for 0.32% of the state's total. The number peaked in 2014 with 6 incidents (0.53 per 1,000), representing 0.49% of state totals. By 2022, reported rapes had decreased to 1 (0.08 per 1,000), constituting 0.11% of Alabama's rapes. This decline in both absolute numbers and as a percentage of state totals indicates improving safety with respect to this crime category.
Robbery rates in Wetumpka have also decreased over time. In 2011, there were 8 robberies (0.67 per 1,000 residents), making up 0.18% of state totals. The number fluctuated over the years, peaking at 10 in 2012 (0.82 per 1,000) before steadily declining. By 2021, there was only 1 robbery (0.09 per 1,000), and in 2022, no robberies were reported. This trend suggests a significant improvement in public safety regarding robbery crimes.
Aggravated assault, the most common violent crime in Wetumpka, has shown a substantial decrease. In 2011, there were 22 aggravated assaults (1.85 per 1,000 residents), representing 0.22% of state totals. The number peaked in 2012 with 36 incidents (2.95 per 1,000) but has since declined. In 2022, there were 10 aggravated assaults (0.85 per 1,000), accounting for 0.09% of Alabama's total. This consistent decrease indicates improving safety conditions in the city.
Examining correlations, there appears to be a relationship between population density and violent crime rates. As the population density decreased from 1,087 per square mile in 2011 to 1,075 in 2022, violent crimes also decreased. Additionally, there seems to be a correlation between racial demographics and crime rates. As the white population percentage increased slightly from 66% in 2013 to 67% in 2022, violent crime rates decreased. However, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation, and these relationships may be influenced by various other factors.
Applying predictive models based on the current trends, it's projected that by 2029 (five years from now), Wetumpka could see a further reduction in violent crimes. The model suggests that total violent crimes could potentially decrease to around 8-10 incidents per year, with aggravated assaults likely remaining the most common type of violent crime.
In summary, Wetumpka has made significant strides in reducing violent crime rates across all categories over the past decade. The most notable improvements have been in robbery and aggravated assault rates. While occasional spikes in certain crime categories (such as the murder spike in 2016) have occurred, the overall trend is positive. These improvements, coupled with the relatively stable population, suggest that Wetumpka is becoming a safer community. However, continued vigilance and community-based crime prevention efforts will be crucial to maintain and further improve these positive trends in the coming years.
