Valdosta, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Valdosta, GA

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 Valdosta is 13.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 195 violent crimes reported in Valdosta, equivalent to 350 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 5.3%. Additionally, Valdosta recorded 1274 property crimes, amounting to 2289 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 17.1%.

When evaluating the Valdosta crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Valdosta crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Valdosta has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 350 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Valdosta stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Valdosta, a total of 14 murders were reported, equating to 25 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Valdosta?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Valdosta residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 63 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 57% of Valdosta residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 43% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Valdosta a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Valdosta a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Valdosta crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.02 crimes per day - 0.53 violent crimes and 3.49 property crimes.

Has Crime in Valdosta Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Valdosta. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Valdosta has decreased by 0.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 5.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 0.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Valdosta

In Valdosta, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Valdosta crime rates.

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 Valdosta, 78.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In Valdosta, the cost of living is 12.29% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Valdosta crime map