Dumfries, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dumfries, VA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Dumfries is 17.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Dumfries, equivalent to 265 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 28.3%. Additionally, Dumfries recorded 93 property crimes, amounting to 1643 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 15.9%.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Dumfries is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Dumfries, which equates to 53 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Dumfries being a very dangerous place to live.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Dumfries faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 24 vehicle thefts, translating to 424 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Dumfries in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 236.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dumfries?

AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Dumfries to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 0% of people answered that there was very little crime in Dumfries and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 100% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Dumfries a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Dumfries is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Dumfries has an overall crime rate that is 18% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.3 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Dumfries as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Dumfries Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dumfries has increased by 63.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dumfries, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 275%, while property crime has increased by 50%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dumfries is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dumfries

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Dumfries crime rates. In Dumfries, the poverty rate stands at 15.5%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Dumfries is $214,800, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Dumfries, the average monthly rent stands at $1,685, while the national average is $949 per month.

Dumfries crime map