What is the Crime Rate in Mississippi?
Mississippi, located in the southern United States, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. However, like many other states, Mississippi also faces a significant crime problem. In this article, we will explore the crime rate in Mississippi, including the types of crimes committed, the rate of violent and property crimes, and the efforts being made to reduce crime in the state.
Crime Rate in Mississippi: An Overview
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Mississippi had a total of 63,441 reported crimes in 2020, which translates to a crime rate of 5,144.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. This puts Mississippi 4th highest in the country in terms of crime rate, behind only Alabama, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Types of Crimes in Mississippi
The most common types of crimes committed in Mississippi include:
• Violent Crimes: 12,441 reported incidents, which includes murder and non-negligent manslaughter (144), rape (2,434), robbery (4,441), and aggravated assault (5,522).
• Property Crimes: 51,000 reported incidents, which includes burglary (8,351), larceny-theft (34,649), and motor vehicle theft (7,000).
Violent Crime Rate in Mississippi
Mississippi has a higher rate of violent crime compared to the national average. In 2020, the state had a violent crime rate of 538.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly higher than the national average of 380.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Property Crime Rate in Mississippi
Mississippi also has a higher rate of property crime compared to the national average. In 2020, the state had a property crime rate of 4,044.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is higher than the national average of 2,706.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Crime Rates by City in Mississippi
Crime rates vary significantly across cities in Mississippi. Here are the top 5 cities in Mississippi with the highest crime rates:
| City | Population | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian | 40,500 | 813.1 per 100,000 | 5,344.6 per 100,000 |
| Jackson | 165,000 | 734.1 per 100,000 | 4,444.4 per 100,000 |
| Southaven | 57,000 | 621.9 per 100,000 | 3,644.8 per 100,000 |
| Gulfport | 72,000 | 594.1 per 100,000 | 3,444.4 per 100,000 |
| Biloxi | 46,000 | 564.5 per 100,000 | 3,344.8 per 100,000 |
Efforts to Reduce Crime in Mississippi
Despite the high crime rate, there are efforts being made to reduce crime in Mississippi. Some of these efforts include:
• Increased Funding for Law Enforcement: The state has increased funding for law enforcement agencies to hire more officers and improve technology.
• Community-Based Programs: Many community-based programs are being implemented to reduce crime, including job training programs, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives.
• Legislative Reforms: The state has passed legislation to address specific types of crimes, such as human trafficking and drug-related offenses.
Conclusion
The crime rate in Mississippi is a significant concern, with a total of 63,441 reported crimes in 2020. The state has a higher rate of violent and property crimes compared to the national average, and crime rates vary significantly across cities. However, there are efforts being made to reduce crime in Mississippi, including increased funding for law enforcement, community-based programs, and legislative reforms. By understanding the types of crimes being committed and the efforts being made to reduce crime, we can work towards a safer and more secure state for all Mississippians.
Additional Resources
For more information on crime in Mississippi, please visit the following resources:
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety: www.dps.state.ms.us
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program: www.fbi.gov/ucr
- Mississippi Legislature: www.legislature.ms.gov
References
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. (2021). Crime in the United States, 2020.
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety. (2021). Crime Statistics.
- Mississippi Legislature. (2021). Crime Bills.
