Cleveland, MS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Cleveland, MS

What is Cleveland, MS's overall crime grade?

Cleveland, Mississippi currently holds an overall crime grade of C-, meaning crime levels are somewhat elevated compared to national benchmarks. With a population of approximately 11,363 and a population density of 578 residents per square mile, Cleveland is a small but moderately dense community. A C- grade signals that while the city is not among the most dangerous in Mississippi, residents and visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and use the Cleveland crime map to stay current on local incident patterns.

Is Cleveland, MS safe to live in?

Safety in Cleveland is a mixed picture. The city's C- overall crime grade reflects real challenges, particularly given a poverty rate of 26.3% — more than double the national average — and a median household income of just $35,907. Research consistently links economic hardship to elevated property crime rates. That said, Cleveland's unemployment rate of 4.5% is relatively modest, and many residents describe the community as tight-knit and neighborly. Families living near Delta State University and in more established residential corridors tend to report a stronger sense of day-to-day security. Using the crime map to identify lower-activity zones before choosing a neighborhood is strongly recommended.

What types of crime are most common in Cleveland, MS?

Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins — represent the most frequently reported category of incidents in Cleveland. This pattern is consistent with cities that have a poverty rate above 25% and a median home value of roughly $123,895, where economic pressure can drive opportunistic offenses. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery are also tracked by local authorities, though they occur at lower frequencies than property offenses. Vandalism and drug-related incidents contribute to the city's C- grade as well. The crime map allows users to filter by category, making it easy to see which type of incident is most active in any given part of the city at a specific time.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, MS?

While granular neighborhood-level grades are not available for every block, areas in proximity to Delta State University and established residential sections along the city's civic corridors tend to see lower reported incident rates. Neighborhoods closer to the city's outer residential edges, where population density drops below the city-wide average of 578 people per square mile, often experience fewer property crime incidents simply due to lower foot and vehicle traffic. Conversely, high-density commercial corridors and areas with higher concentrations of vacant properties — common in cities with a poverty rate near 26% — tend to show elevated activity on the crime map. Always cross-reference the interactive map with the most recent incident data before making housing decisions.

How does Cleveland's crime rate compare to other Mississippi cities?

A C- crime grade places Cleveland in the lower-middle tier among Mississippi municipalities of comparable size. Cities with similar population counts (roughly 10,000–15,000 residents) and comparable poverty rates frequently earn grades in the C to D range statewide, meaning Cleveland is neither an outlier on the high end nor a standout on the low end. Its median rent of $749 and median home value of $123,895 reflect an affordable but economically stressed market, a profile that typically correlates with above-average property crime. Larger Mississippi cities with more robust economic bases and lower poverty rates tend to score in the B range, giving Cleveland room for improvement as community investment and economic development initiatives take hold.

What can residents do to improve safety in Cleveland?

Data shows that community engagement meaningfully reduces crime in small cities. Given Cleveland's C- grade and a poverty rate of 26.3%, targeted efforts can make a measurable difference. Practical steps include: participating in or organizing neighborhood watch programs, particularly in higher-density residential blocks; reporting suspicious activity promptly to the Cleveland Police Department; securing property with lighting and locks (property crime accounts for the largest share of incidents citywide); and advocating for economic development initiatives that address the root causes tied to the city's elevated poverty rate. Regularly consulting the Cleveland crime map helps residents track whether local conditions are improving over time — a C- grade is a baseline, not a ceiling.