| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Big Stone Gap/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 1,676 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 19.7 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 39.4 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 59.2 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 118 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 216.9 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 62 | n/a | 1,222.6 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 118.3 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 79 | n/a (estimate) | 1,558 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Big Stone Gap crime rate is lower than the national average by 20.9%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Big Stone Gap, equivalent to 118 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 67.1%. Furthermore, Big Stone Gap recorded 79 property crimes, amounting to 1558 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 11.5%.
With only 118 incidents per 100,000 people, Big Stone Gap boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Big Stone Gap has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Big Stone Gap recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Big Stone Gap maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Big Stone Gap, 1558 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Big Stone Gap, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Big Stone Gap presents a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Big Stone Gap experiences an average of 0.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.22 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Big Stone Gap crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Big Stone Gap has increased by 14.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 100% and property crime has increased by 11.3%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Big Stone Gap, 65.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Big Stone Gap, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.99, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Big Stone Gap stands at $225,467, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Big Stone Gap | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynch, KY | 553 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Benham, KY | 603 | 0 | 218 | 218 |
| Cumberland, KY | 2,171 | 0 | 505 | 505 |
| Appalachia, VA | 1,452 | 122 | 881 | 1,004 |
| Pennington Gap, VA | 2,361 | 0 | 1,276 | 1,276 |
| Gate City, VA | 1,956 | 199 | 1,737 | 1,935 |
| Duffield, VA | 86 | 278 | 2,003 | 2,281 |
| Big Stone Gap, VA | 5,403 | 118 | 1,558 | 1,676 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Diboll, TX | 5,403 | 371 | 764 | 1,134 |
| Palermo, CA | 5,402 | 549 | 2,346 | 2,895 |
| Fruitland, MD | 5,402 | 200 | 2,188 | 2,389 |
| Chain Lake, WA | 5,406 | 106 | 802 | 908 |
| North Oaks, MN | 5,400 | 84 | 522 | 606 |
| Big Stone Gap, VA | 5,403 | 118 | 1,558 | 1,676 |
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