CRIME RATES

Indicator 47

Why is this Important?

During the 2016 Presidential campaign, addressing and fighting crime was a focus. In 2017, Federal prosecutors were instructed to pursue the strongest possible charges against subjects committing crimes. There are two commonly cited sources of crime statistics in the U.S. Both are Federal agencies with one being the FBI and the other the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The FBI collects data from the approximately 18,000 law enforcement jurisdictions around the U.S. The BJS surveys more than 90,000 households inquiring of persons ranging 12 years or older whether they have been victims of crime regardless if it was reported to law enforcement.

Between 1993 and 2017, the FBI reported the violent crime rate fell 49% and according to the BJS it fell 74%. This has not been a steady decline as there have been noticeable increases in violent crime in 2004, 2006, 2014 and 2016. During the same time period, the FBI reported property crime rates fell 50% and BJS reported it was 69%. Interestingly, the figures presented do not coincide with public perception. In the same time span, 6 of 10 Americans felt there was more crime in the U.S. While this perception is at the national level, when discussed locally slightly over 50% feel crime is up in their areas.

Key Takeaways

Marathon County violent crime rates have remained consistent with a slight increase recently, which is similar across Wisconsin.

Marathon County property crime rates have decreased, which is consistent with the experience across Wisconsin.

Various factors influence an area’s crime rate, such as population density, economic conditions and geographic location.

Property crime rates have decreased significantly.

Property crimes include burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Property crimes are committed to obtain property or money and can involve force or threat of force.

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