Given the fact that Wyoming is a state with large areas of land, low population density, and a general perception of the state as a rural country without significant crime rates, it might not be quite clear why safety and security are issues in Wyoming. However, the number of occurrences and their outcomes in Wyoming and its crime rate are still a concern.
Overall Crime Rates
The Federal Bureau of Investigation crime statistics show that Wyoming ranks as one of the least safe states in the United States. In 2020, the violent crime rate was 156 incidents per 100,000 Wyoming residents with a property crime rate of 1,518 incidents per 100,00. The violent crime rate puts Wyoming second on the list of safest states in the country, only behind Maine, while the property crime rate puts the state at the 8th position of the list of states with the lowest property crime rates.
Numbers as low as these can be confusing even in percentages. However, even those statistics have to be placed into perspective; yes, Wyoming’s violent crime rate did rise 4% from 2019 to 2020, but that means only 38 more violent crimes occurred statewide in the last year. Likewise, the 8% increase in property crime laid 113 extra property crimes on the year. In a small population, even one or two number increments look like percentage increments which is much greater than the actual figure. However, Wyoming’s total and per capita rates of crime remain remarkably low in comparison with other states in the United States of America.
Murder Rate
The murder rate might provide the most stunning figure on Wyoming’s levels of safety. To support this, in the year 2020, there were only 11 murders throughout the entire state regardless of area, even though the state has a population of over half a million residents. These figures translate to 2 murders per 100000 population – something that could make Maine rank as having the second lowest murder rate in America, after Vermont.
To put these numbers into perspective, the total murder rate of the United States in the calendar year was over six and half times Wyoming’s rate of 6.7 per 100,000. Even states like Louisiana and Missouri had murder rates over 10 times the amount that Wyoming did the same year. It has become unfortunate that the murder rates in many areas across the country have been on the rise recently; however, Wyoming stands out as a haven when it comes to this aspect.
Property Crime
Considering the overall property crime rates that are significantly below the national numbers, it is indicative of low risk to homeowners and business owners as well as property developers in Wyoming. Though similar to violent crime, Wyoming has experienced a slight year-on-year increase in larceny, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and arson rates for the past ten years.
As much as crime statistics are comparatively low here, research indicates that the rates of property crimes are on the rise and are even accelerating faster than violent crimes in Wyoming than it is in the neighboring states. The Neighborhood Watch program, having a home security system, and other community watch programs can help in preventing such unnecessary crimes.
Geographic Differences
As it has been inferred through research, crime rates in Wyoming may vary considerably from one city or county to the other. For example, the violent crime rate in Cheyenne is 298 per 100000, which, although still low compared to the national level, is significantly lower than the 179 per 100000 in the neighboring Laramie County.
The capital and the most populous city in Wyoming, Cheyenne, contributes to most of the crime observed in the state. It could be because Cheyenne is the most urban area in Wyoming and it therefore experiences higher rates of crime. But as you can see, even rural towns like Torrington have also experienced a surge in per capita crime rates in recent years which shows that no community is safe from this problem. Looking at data available in the local region may provide a more accurate picture of safety at one’s location.
Why Is Wyoming Such A Safe State?
Wyoming has not had any dangerous and especially illicit activities, so what has contributed to this situation? First of all, its population density is the lowest and is rated at 6 people per square mile for the entire state. It is as evident that the level of population density directly influences the incidence of crimes as any empirical study might claim. Farm and ranch culture also approve of the use of guns for hunting when taking the lives of other creatures in the wild while disapproving of violence.
But Wyoming is not just barren land where there are no people to be seen again either. This has shifted from the prior situation where over half of the population lived in incorporated places; so low rurality does not necessarily mean low risk. State gun laws are also not too strict, and thus, these arguments also go against the idea that strict gun control measures reduce violence.
Is Wyoming Safe?
Finally, when it comes to the rates, numbers can indisputably deem Wyoming as one of the safest states for living in America. Areas like violent and property crimes, despite fluctuating slightly upward, continue to present low indices year after year. To residents who may be planning to relocate the state assures them that Wyoming will be one of the safest places to reside or invest in within the United States.
Of course, even the absence of crime altogether cannot be said to be possible; nonetheless, crime rates differ from one region to another. In this case, knowing your own community’s crime trends remains crucial even in the country’s second safest state. However, whether one is seeking to relocate their family, invest in a new home, or just pass through Wyoming’s picturesque terrain, everyone should feel confident about having a good time in this state without worrying about their well-being.
