F
111%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
119%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleRoanoke/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime4,806n/a (estimate)4,8941,9302,324
Murder18n/a18.37.36.3
Rape114n/a116.130.240.0
Robbery98n/a99.838.466.1
Assault364n/a370.7158.1268.2
Violent crime594n/a (estimate)605234370
Burglary508n/a517.3124.6269.8
Theft3,295n/a3,355.31,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft409n/a416.5160.7282.7
Property crime4,212n/a (estimate)4,2891,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Roanoke, VA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Roanoke crime rate is 110.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Roanoke, there were 594 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 605 per 100,000 individuals, 63.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Roanoke recorded 4212 property crimes, amounting to 4289 per 100,000 residents, 119.5% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4894 crimes per 100,000 people, the Roanoke crime rates stand at 110.56 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Roanoke, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Roanoke ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Roanoke, there were a total of 18 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Roanoke reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4289 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Roanoke, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Roanoke has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Roanoke reported 409 vehicle thefts, which equates to 416 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Roanoke is 1 in 241.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Roanoke?

AreaVibes surveyed 115 local residents in Roanoke to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Roanoke and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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 Roanoke a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Roanoke, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Roanoke presents a total crime rate that is 111% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Roanoke experiences an average of 13.17 daily crimes, comprising 1.63 violent incidents and 11.54 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Roanoke Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Roanoke has increased by 11.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Roanoke is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 23%, while property crime has increased by 10%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Roanoke.

Potential Causes for Crime in Roanoke

Roanoke has a population density of 2331.1 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Roanoke crime rates.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Roanoke, the cost of living is 10.83% lower than the national average.

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 Roanoke is $134,900, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Roanoke crime map



The Roanoke crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Roanoke as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Roanoke crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Roanoke crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
New Real Estate Listings in Roanoke Area
Search Homes for Sale in Roanoke, VA

Compare Roanoke, VA Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Roanoke crime rates are 111% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Roanoke are 64% higher than the national average
      • In Roanoke you have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Roanoke is safer than 8% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Roanoke has increased by 13%

      Roanoke, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Roanoke

        See all the best places to live around Roanoke
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Roanoke?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Roanoke?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Roanoke poll results

        Daily Crime In Roanoke (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Roanoke, VA per 100,000 people. In Roanoke, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 2.54 times more than the Virginia average and 2.11 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Roanoke is 2.58 times more than the Virginia average and 1.64 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Roanoke has a daily crime rate that is 2.53 times more than the Virginia average and 2.19 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Roanoke (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Virginia and all other cities across the US, is Roanoke safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Roanoke is safer than 3% of other cities in the state of Virginia. In addition, Roanoke is safer than 8% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Virginia and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Roanoke. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Roanoke is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Roanoke

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Roanoke is 1 in 166
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Roanoke is 1 in 24
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Roanoke is 1 in 21
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Roanoke? If you reside in Roanoke, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 166. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 24 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Roanoke, is 1 in 21.

        Year Over Year Crime In Roanoke (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Roanoke is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Roanoke has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 24% in Roanoke, while property crimes in Roanoke have increased by 11%. Total crime has increased by 13% year over year.

        Roanoke police department

        Item Roanoke Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3018,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.13.23.3
        There are a total of 301 Roanoke police officers. This results in 3.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.4% less than the Virginia average and 5.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Westlake Corner, VA1,74850365416
        Daleville, VA2,71694682776
        Laymantown, VA1,836101735836
        Blue Ridge, VA3,169106771878
        Cloverdale, VA3,193114827941
        Glenvar, VA821117847964
        Elliston, VA1,0401319521,084
        Roanoke, VA99,1226054,2894,894

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Carmel, IN99,13065808872
        Lee's Summit, MO98,9971382,0982,236
        Spokane Valley, WA99,2753334,0624,395
        Boca Raton, FL98,776119720839
        Chico, CA98,6835751,6612,236
        Roanoke, VA99,1226054,2894,894
        Source: The Roanoke, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.