| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Damascus/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 3,308 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 254.5 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 254 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 127.2 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 20 | n/a | 2,544.5 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 381.7 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 3,053 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
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 Damascus crime rate is higher than the national average by 56.1%. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes in Damascus, equivalent to 254 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 29.1%. Furthermore, Damascus recorded 24 property crimes, amounting to 3053 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 73.5%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Damascus experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Damascus to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 40% of people answered that there was very little crime in Damascus and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 60% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Damascus, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Damascus presents a total crime rate that is 56% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Damascus experiences an average of 0.07 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.07 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Damascus has decreased by 31.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Damascus, 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 100%, while property crime has decreased by 35.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Damascus is a safe place to live.
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 Damascus crime rates. In Damascus, the poverty rate stands at 13.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Damascus has a population density of 842.7 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 Damascus crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Damascus, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 6.08 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Damascus | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Emory, VA | 1,153 | 103 | 743 | 847 |
| Adwolf, VA | 1,826 | 111 | 796 | 907 |
| Meadow View, VA | 1,294 | 112 | 806 | 918 |
| Mountain City, TN | 2,126 | 81 | 888 | 969 |
| Abingdon, VA | 8,159 | 132 | 1,564 | 1,697 |
| McMullin, VA | 458 | 260 | 1,873 | 2,133 |
| Glade Spring, VA | 2,093 | 512 | 1,681 | 2,193 |
| Damascus, VA | 672 | 254 | 3,053 | 3,308 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ellsinore, MO | 672 | 646 | 2,712 | 3,358 |
| Gettysburg, OH | 672 | 409 | 2,159 | 2,568 |
| Golinda, TX | 672 | 445 | 2,332 | 2,777 |
| Cushing, TX | 672 | 401 | 2,101 | 2,502 |
| Buffalo Lake, MN | 672 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Damascus, VA | 672 | 254 | 3,053 | 3,308 |
Here are the best places to live in Virginia
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Virginia
See the best places to live in Damascus