Crime Metrics Ibiza (2019-2024)

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This dataset accompanies the study Crime Metrics in Ibiza: Alternative Models and the Impact of the Floating Population, which analyzes crime trends in Ibiza between 2019 and 2024. The dataset provides comprehensive information on crime rates, population fluctuations, and alternative methodologies for calculating crime incidence in a region characterized by strong seasonal variations. Traditional crime rates are usually calculated based on census population data, which does not account for temporary residents, tourists, or seasonal workers. To address this limitation, two alternative methodologies were applied, incorporating floating population estimates to refine crime rate calculations and provide a more accurate representation of criminal activity on the island.

The dataset is structured into multiple sheets, each containing specific variables related to crime and population estimates. It includes official census population data sourced from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) and crime rates derived from these figures. Additionally, the dataset contains estimated figures for tourism accommodation, based on statistics from the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT). Using these estimates, a floating population adjustment has been applied, which allows for a recalculated crime rate that considers the significant impact of tourism on the island’s demographics.

A second approach within the dataset estimates the population using urban waste production data, sourced from the Consell d’Eivissa. Since the amount of waste generated is closely linked to population density, this methodology provides an alternative way to estimate the real number of people present on the island at any given time. The crime rates have been recalculated accordingly, providing an additional perspective on the relationship between demographic fluctuations and crime trends.

The dataset is derived from multiple authoritative sources, including official crime statistics from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, census population data from INE, and detailed tourism and accommodation figures from IBESTAT. The urban waste methodology is based on data provided by the Consell d’Eivissa, which records the volume of waste generated by municipalities on a yearly basis. By integrating these diverse data sources, the dataset offers a more precise and adaptable model for understanding crime dynamics in a tourism-dependent region.

The methodologies applied in this dataset highlight the importance of accounting for floating populations when analyzing crime rates. The traditional crime rate model, which only considers permanent residents, tends to overestimate crime levels in regions with large seasonal populations. The tourism-based adjustment method corrects this by incorporating official and unofficial accommodation figures, while the urban waste-based method offers an alternative approach by estimating the real-time population based on resource consumption. Both approaches reveal significant differences between conventional crime rates and adjusted figures, emphasizing the need for policymakers to adopt more refined methodologies when developing crime prevention strategies.

This dataset is released under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license, allowing for its free use, redistribution, and modification, provided that proper attribution is given. Researchers, policymakers, and criminologists are encouraged to use this dataset to further explore crime trends in tourism-heavy regions and to develop more accurate statistical models for crime analysis.