F
0%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
0%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2023 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2024; this is the most current data available.
Waynesboro crime rates are not available from the FBI crime report. The FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR), gathers data from more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies. The agencies include city, university, college, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. When combined, they represent approximately 309 million American residents, or a 98% coverage rate of large metropolitan areas. This does result in approximately 20 million people who live in areas where the FBI does not provide crime reports. These areas tend to be smaller towns, villages or suburbs. Given that Waynesboro crime stats are not covered by the FBI crime reports, either data from local enforcement agencies is applied or estimates are calculated based on demographic data including, but not limited to: home prices, income per capita, poverty rates, unemployment rates, educational achievement and population density. The Waynesboro crime estimates should be used at your own risk. Please be aware that the data displayed above is estimated and not officially reported by any agency. The Waynesboro crime map can also be used to view a visual display of crimes committed on a block group level.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWaynesboro/100k peopleGeorgia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime0n/a (estimate)2,278 (estimate)2,1752,281
Murdern/an/an/a7.15.7
Rapen/an/an/a32.538.0
Robberyn/an/an/a42.266.5
Assaultn/an/an/a270.0264.1
Violent crimen/an/a (estimate)369 (estimate)352364
Burglaryn/an/an/a223.3250.7
Theftn/an/an/a1,349.41,347.2
Vehicle theftn/an/an/a250.6318.7
Property crimen/an/a (estimate)1,910 (estimate)1,8231,917

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, GA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Waynesboro crime rate is 52.8% 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 Waynesboro, there were 47 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 843 per 100,000 individuals, 127.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Waynesboro recorded 151 property crimes, amounting to 2708 per 100,000 residents, 38.6% higher than the U.S. average.

Waynesboro ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 843 per 100,000 people, Waynesboro is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Waynesboro, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Waynesboro ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Waynesboro, there were a total of 1 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waynesboro?

AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Waynesboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 44% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 56% 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 Waynesboro a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime rate is 53% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.54 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.41 property crimes.

Has Crime in Waynesboro Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waynesboro has decreased by 13.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waynesboro, 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 67.9%, while property crime has decreased by 24.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waynesboro is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Waynesboro crime rates. Waynesboro registers a population density of 996.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Waynesboro, 77.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

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 Waynesboro is $112,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Waynesboro crime map



The Waynesboro crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Waynesboro 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.
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Compare Waynesboro, GA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Waynesboro crime rates are equal to the national average
      • Violent crimes in Waynesboro are 1% higher than the national average
      • In Waynesboro you have a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Waynesboro is safer than 6% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Waynesboro has decreased by 47%

      Waynesboro, GA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Waynesboro (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Waynesboro (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Waynesboro

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 272
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 53
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 44

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

        Waynesboro police department

        Item Waynesboro Georgia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3211,364558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.44.03.3
        There are a total of 32 Waynesboro police officers. This results in 5.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 37.7% greater than the Georgia average and 67.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Georgia

        State Total offenders Georgia /100K National /100K
        Georgia23,117275266
        There are a total of 23,117 sex offenders in Georgia. This yields a total of 275 sex offenders in Georgia per 100,000 residents which is 3% 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
        Blythe, GA686000
        Hephzibah, GA3,9611041,1741,278
        Sardis, GA9784992,5843,082
        Waynesboro, GA5,4533691,9102,278

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Stokesdale, NC5,4511608451,005
        Old Bethpage, NY5,450127585712
        Coraopolis, PA5,4483181,1231,441
        Atlanta, TX5,4581111,2901,400
        Rockwood, TN5,4465913,2593,850
        Waynesboro, GA5,4533691,9102,278
        Source: The Waynesboro, GA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2023. 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.