The Hidden Truth About Rural Crime Rates: What Farmers Need to Know

Rural living may feel safe, but farm properties are not immune to theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Understanding rural crime rates and implementing proactive security measures is essential for protecting your property, livestock, and equipment.

Beneath the idyllic facade, a different narrative unfolds—one of stolen livestock and machinery, vandalized property, and the unsettling feeling of vulnerability that comes with living far from the urban bustle.

Contrary to popular belief, rural areas aren’t always the safe havens they’re presumed to be. Indeed, when it comes to crime rates, the dichotomy between rural and urban landscapes becomes less clear-cut than one might imagine. Rural crime is a very real problem.

Crime rates in urban vs rural areas: what the statistics sayTitle

To grasp the true extent of rural crime, we must first understand how it compares to its urban counterpart. Traditionally, urban areas have been synonymous with higher crime rates, fueled by population density and socioeconomic factors. However, recent data challenges this belief, revealing a more nuanced picture of crime distribution across different landscapes.

A recent U.S. Department of Justice study found that those quiet country roads don’t always mean lower crime. In fact, some rural areas have even higher crime rates than cities! While the types of crimes may differ—urban areas typically grapple with higher rates of violent offenses, whereas rural regions contend with property crimes—crime can happen anywhere. Think about it: fewer police officers stretched over miles of land and isolated homes can make easier targets for would-be criminals.

Moreover, the perception of rural areas as “safe havens” may inadvertently discourage residents from implementing adequate security measures, leaving them vulnerable. Here are just a few reasons why rural crime is often misjudged:

• Low population density: The population distribution in rural areas can spread law enforcement thin, leading to delayed response times or even undetected criminal activity. This makes official reporting inaccurate, and crimes seem less frequent than they are. Low populations also skew per capita crime rates easily.
• Social Dynamics: Some rural communities prioritize maintaining an image of safety while preferring to deal with issues amongst themselves. That sometimes leads residents to not report crimes to authorities, artificially obscuring crime rates.
• Types of Crime: Rural crimes are often property theft, not the violent assaults often associated with cities. News outlets don’t cover a stolen tractor the same way, painting a distorted image.

Many believe rural areas have low crime rates, but research shows otherwise. According to NCVRW and FBI statistics, while urban areas may see higher violent crime rates, rural communities face significant property crimes, including residential property crimeA and theft of farm equipment or livestock.

Why rural areas are not immune to crimeTitle

Isolation, fewer neighbors, and limited police presence make rural properties appealing targets for criminals. Understanding these risks is the first step to improving farm and residential security. Consider integrating agricultural security solutionsA to deter theft and vandalism before it occurs.

Rates of specific crimes vary between rural and urban settings. It’s worth noting that while some categories may be comparable, others diverge starkly.

• Property crime: Rural areas often surpass their urban counterparts when it comes to property crime, primarily burglary and theft. According to data from the FBI, the burglary rates in “extra-small cities” like El Dorado, KS (28.3 per 1,000 residents), Alexandria, LA (22.5), and Malvern, AR (17.5) are typically higher than large cities like Seattle, WA (12.6 per 1,000 residents), Oklahoma City, OK (9.5), and Memphis, TN (8.2).
• Violent crime: Although violent crime tends to be lower in rural settings, some disturbing patterns stand out. Isolated residences, for example, might be easier targets for home invasions. Gun deaths by suicide rates for rural men and women are also higher than for urban men and women.
• Substance abuse: The ongoing opioid epidemic highlights the fact that rural communities have often been hit harder than their urban counterparts. The scarcity of mental health resources, as well as economic hardship in some rural areas, contribute to high substance abuse rates and related crimes.

However, according to the annual National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the US Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, the rates have been increasing across the board.

	Total Violent Crime			Total Property Crime
	2020	2021	2022	2020	2021	2022
Urban	19	24.5	33.4	158.9	157.5	176.1
Suburban	16.8	16.5	23.9	90.5	86.8	98.9
Rural	13.4	11.1	15.4	65.6	57.7	61.7

These rates are per 1,000 residents 12 and older. Crime, it would seem, has no zip code.

Specific challenges and vulnerabilities of farming communities

Aside from typical residential threats, farmers and agricultural producers face a heightened set of concerns.

• Equipment theft: The machinery farmers rely on is crucial to their livelihood and incredibly costly. Thieves frequently target them for these expensive commodities.
• Livestock crimes: Cattle rustling might seem more appropriate for the Old West, but livestock theft persists. Aside from the monetary loss, animal theft can be emotionally traumatizing for farmers.
• Crop sabotage and chemical theft: From crop vandalism to the theft of fertilizer and pesticides, such crimes negatively impact farmers’ crops and finances. Moreover, the illegal use of stolen chemicals can be environmentally detrimental.

Just under 81% of surveyed farmers have been the victim of at least one type of farm crime, while 76.8% have been victims two or more times. And 23.3% have been targeted seven or more times. For farmers and ranchers whose livelihoods depend on the integrity of their land and livestock, investing in comprehensive security measures isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity.

Using farm security camerasA and AI-assisted monitoring can help mitigate these risks and allow for real-time intervention by trained security personnel.

Understanding the timing of rural crimes: day vs nightTitle

Rural crime often spikes at night or during off-hours when farms and properties are unoccupied. Installing motion-activated lighting, farm monitoring systems, and AI-assisted cameras ensures that suspicious activity is detected instantly, no matter the hour. Learn more about what crimes happen at night.

How to protect your farm: the rise of agricultural security measures

Protecting your rural property requires a layered security approach. Combining physical measures, such as reinforced locks, fences, and controlled access, with advanced technology like live surveillance creates a farm monitoring system that provides comprehensive protection.

AI-powered cameras and remote monitoring can detect suspicious activity in real time, enabling immediate response.

For better protection, people in rural areas are seeking out agricultural security technology for crime prevention.

• Farm security cameras: High-tech security cameras and video monitoring systems actively guard assets at farms, ranches, and other agricultural properties. Such installations often connect to smartphones for remote vigilance while acting as a visual deterrent for nosy intruders.
• GPS tracking: Attaching GPS tracking units to valuable machinery provides valuable information should a theft occur, improving your chances of recovery.

Today’s security technology isn’t just for banks and other traditionally “high-risk” environments. There are affordable, high-tech options designed specifically for your farm. Imagine a hardwired PoE camera system you check from your phone, motion sensors that text you when there’s movement near the barn, everything stored securely online… no complicated setup needed. These tools give you the peace of mind that farm living is supposed to bring.

We need to get smart about rural crime. By busting those outdated ideas and using what’s available, we make these communities safer. Whether it’s cameras or even just your neighbor keeping a closer eye out, every little bit helps protect the country way of life.

Farm monitoring systems and security cameras: real-time protectionTitle

Installing farm security cameras integrated with live monitoring guards offers a proactive solution. These systems provide high-definition video surveillance, real-time alerts, and immediate intervention to prevent theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access.

Protecting your farm or rural property requires awareness, planning, and the right technology. Combining physical security measures with AI-powered cameras and professional monitoring ensures real-time protection and peace of mind. 

Explore agricultural security solutions or schedule a consultation to implement a custom farm monitoring system tailored to your property’s needs. Don’t wait for an incident to occur—secure your property today.