Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Virginia, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Within the diverse landscape of Virginia, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in Virginia. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is Virginia Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 21,395 | 181,446 | 51,129 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.48 | 21 | 5.92 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Virginia. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
Virginia’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Virginia has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Virginia, the rate of violent crimes is 2.48 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rate in Virginia compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Virginia in relation to the broader national landscape.
Virginia’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 566 | 2,756 | 13,397 | 2,929 | 1,738 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.32 | 1.55 | 0.34 | 0.2 |
| Population | 8,640,726 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in Virginia
- Virginia’s murder crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.07 by 0%.
- On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.32, which is lower than the national average of 0.44 by 27%.
- The assault crime rate of the state stands at 1.55, which is lower than the national average of 2.83 by 45%.
- Robbery is not a concern in Virginia, with a crime rate of 0.34, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 46%.
- The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.2, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 82%.
Virginia’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Virginia has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Virginia, the rate of property crimes is 21 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Virginia compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
Virginia’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 10,464 | 647 | 47,560 | 814 | 104,537 | 11,248 | 6,176 |
| Rate per 1000 | 1.21 | 0.07 | 5.5 | 0.09 | 12.1 | 1.3 | 0.71 |
| Population | 8,640,726 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in Virginia
- Virginia experiences a burglary crime rate of 1.21, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 56%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
- Vandalism is a concern in Virginia, with a crime rate of 5.5, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 40%.
- The blackmail crime rate is 0.09, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 125%.
- Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 12.1 in Virginia, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 13%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.3, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 51%.
- Virginia faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.71, which is 18% lower than the national average of 0.87.
Virginia’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 35,386 | 14,185 | 373 | 1,185 |
| Rate per 1000 | 4.1 | 1.64 | 0.04 | 0.14 |
| Population | 8,640,726 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
Virginia’s Other Crimes Data Insights
- Drug offenses are a concern in Virginia, with a rate of 4.1, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 5%.
- Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.64, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 102%.
Conclusion
Virginia generally has lower crime rates compared to the national averages. The state’s murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary rates are all lower than the national average. Vandalism is also not a significant concern. However, Virginia faces a higher rate of kidnapping and weapon law violations compared to the national average. Theft and motor vehicle theft rates are relatively low in the state, and drug offenses are not a major concern. Virginia also experiences a lower rate of identity theft.