PUBLIC SAFETY & WELL-BEING.
Public safety and well-being encompass a broad spectrum of factors contributing to individuals' overall health, security, and resilience, as well as the larger Truckee Meadows community. This Quality of Life Area considers indicators such as crime and mortality rates, the prevalence of abuse and neglect, and the incidence of risky behaviors such as alcohol-impaired driving and how they impact the environment where people live, learn, and play.
Public safety directly impacts a region's health, economic development, and vibrancy because it affects individuals' freedom to live without fear, pursue opportunities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It influences everything from the independence of seniors to the educational focus of students and the productivity of employees.
Overall, the quality of public safety and well-being in Washoe County is mixed. While the crime index has generally declined, the unintentional injury mortality rate has risen, highlighting potential gaps in safety measures and prevention. Rates of child abuse have shown variability, as have firearm fatalities and motor vehicle accident mortality. Overall, while there are areas of progress, certain aspects of public safety and well-being require continued attention and targeted interventions to ensure a safer community.
The graphics below were frozen at the time of publishing the Consumer Progress Report in November 2024. To learn more about each indicator and view more information with recent updates through 2026, simply click on the charts, map, or graph to be directed to the NevadaTomorrow.org Community Data Portal, where you will see maps, charts, graphs, year-over-year comparisons, and more.
VIEW OR PRINT THE FULL REPORT
The Truckee Meadows Tomorrow 2024-2026 Community Progress Report published on November 12, 2024! It includes all 10 Quality of Life areas with the most important data points selected by our Data Advisory Group and TMT team. You will find the same indicators and summaries in each online QOL area with links to NevadaTomorrow.org.
Print it out and take it with you for easy reading and reference.
DIGGING INTO THE DATA
The data provided for the Truckee Meadows offers a comprehensive look at various aspects of public safety and well-being, including crime rates, domestic violence, child abuse, and mortality rates due to firearms, homicide, and motor vehicle accidents. It also highlights the prevalence of sexual violence among students and the importance of maintaining safe schools and communities. The data serves as a critical tool for understanding the region's current state of public safety and well-being.
DATA BITES
Crime Index
Rate of violent crime and property crime offenses per 1,000 population
Domestic Violence Crime Rate
Rate of offenses per 1,000 population in 2023
Domestic Violence Crime Rate
Crime Index
Top 6 Crime Index Rate Offenses Rate per 1,000 Population
Overall, crime in Washoe County has been trending down, but is still above state levels. Arson and murder do not appear in the top six offenses.
ELDER ABUSE CRIME RATE
The prevalence of elder abuse in Nevada and Washoe County has shown variability over time and decreased slightly between 3.5 crimes per 1,000 population in 2023 and 3.7 in 2022. Crimes against the elderly include abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, or abandonment.
COMMUNITY PROGRESS
CHILD ABUSE
In Washoe County, the landscape of child welfare has been dynamic, as illustrated by the indicators of child abuse referrals, substantiated reports, and removal rates. While the number of child abuse referrals or reports received decreased by 15% from 2022 to 2023, the percentage of substantiated reports increased by 10%, and the child abuse removal rate per 1,000 children decreased by 10%. In Nevada, abuse or neglect of a child means physical or mental non-accidental injury, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 caused or allowed by a person responsible for their welfare.
VIOLENT CRIME RATE PER 100,000 POPULATION
The violent crime rate per 100,000 population provides a measure of the frequency of violent crimes, which include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In Washoe County specifically, the rate for 2023 was 515.9, which is above the state value. The county's rate has also decreased from the previous year's value of 524.7, breaking an upward trend visible since 2019.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
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The MOST (Mobile Outreach Safety Team) is a Nevada Behavioral Health (NVBH) program that provides crisis intervention and support services to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the Reno-Sparks area.
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REMSA Health offers various community outreach programs focused on injury and illness prevention, health education, and community paramedicine.
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The Reno Fire Department offers a range of public education programs focused on fire safety and prevention. These programs include fire extinguisher training, fire station tours, and safety presentations for schools and community groups.
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The Reno Police Department's Community Action Officers (CAO) work to improve the quality of life in Reno neighborhoods.
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The Sparks Fire Department's Community Services division provides fire safety education and prevention programs to the community, including fire station tours and safety presentations.
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The Sparks Police Department is committed to providing residents and visitors with a safe and secure environment.
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The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District provides fire prevention education and encourages community involvement through various programs.
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The Washoe County Human Services Agency provides a wide range of services to assist individuals and families by offering support and resources.
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The Washoe County School District, Safe, and Healthy Schools Commission is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of students within the school environment.
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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Community Engagement Office focuses on building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community they serve.
