Waynesboro, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, VA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waynesboro is 9.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Waynesboro, there were 52 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 227 per 100,000 individuals, 38.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 429 property crimes, amounting to 1873 per 100,000 residents, 4.2% lower than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In the most recently reported crime year, Waynesboro registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Waynesboro is very similar to the national average. Waynesboro had a property crime rate of 1873, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waynesboro?

AreaVibes surveyed 23 local residents in Waynesboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 35% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 65% 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?

To determine if Waynesboro is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Waynesboro has a total crime rate that is 10% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.32 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 1.18 daily property crimes) in Waynesboro.

Has Crime in Waynesboro Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Waynesboro crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Waynesboro has increased by 3.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 7.1% and property crime has increased by 5.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

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 Waynesboro crime rates. In Waynesboro, the poverty rate stands at 14.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Waynesboro reports an unemployment rate of 2.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Waynesboro crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Waynesboro has a median home price of $183,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Waynesboro crime map