Waynesboro, PA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, PA

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 Waynesboro crime rate is lower than the national average by 36.6%. Specifically, there were 27 violent crimes in Waynesboro, equivalent to 247 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 33.2%. Furthermore, Waynesboro recorded 134 property crimes, amounting to 1227 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 37.2%.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Waynesboro stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Waynesboro, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 27 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waynesboro?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Waynesboro residents. Out of the respondents (17 in total), 53% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Waynesboro were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 47% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

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 37% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.44 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

Waynesboro has a poverty rate of 15.4, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Waynesboro, 79.4% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Waynesboro has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.87 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Waynesboro crime map