| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Damascus/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 51 | n/a (estimate) | 6,522 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 1,023.0 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 41 | n/a | 5,243.0 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 255.8 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 51 | n/a (estimate) | 6,522 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Damascus is 180.6% higher 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 Damascus, there were 0 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, 100% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 51 property crimes, amounting to 6522 per 100,000 residents, 233.7% higher than the U.S. average.
In Damascus, the crime rate stands at 6522 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 180.6%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Damascus that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Damascus deserves recognition for its outstanding safety record, having reported no instances of violent crime in the latest crime report. This remarkable achievement underscores the city's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors. In an era where safety is of paramount importance, Damascus sets an example as a secure and peaceful urban environment. This lack of reported violent crime contributes significantly to its reputation as a desirable place to live and visit, offering a sense of security that is truly invaluable.
In the latest reported crime year, Damascus recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Damascus reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 6522 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 16 chance of falling victim to property crime in Damascus, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What do the local residents think about crime in Damascus? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Damascus residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Damascus is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Damascus has an overall crime rate that is 181% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.14 daily occurrences, comprising 0 violent crimes and 0.14 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Damascus as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Damascus. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Damascus has increased by 34.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 100%, while property crimes have increased by 37.8%. 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.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Damascus, the cost of living is 13.37% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Damascus stands at $119,000, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| 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 |
| Glade Spring, VA | 2,019 | 148 | 738 | 886 |
| Emory, VA | 1,124 | 109 | 788 | 896 |
| Meadow View, VA | 1,251 | 120 | 870 | 990 |
| Adwolf, VA | 1,771 | 121 | 878 | 1,000 |
| Chilhowie, VA | 2,262 | 484 | 1,090 | 1,574 |
| Abingdon, VA | 7,936 | 194 | 1,537 | 1,730 |
| Mountain City, TN | 2,062 | 608 | 1,662 | 2,270 |
| Damascus, VA | 653 | 0 | 6,522 | 6,522 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Buffalo Lake, MN | 653 | 0 | 310 | 310 |
| Gettysburg, OH | 653 | 428 | 2,596 | 3,024 |
| Salem, KY | 653 | 279 | 1,892 | 2,171 |
| Bradford, AR | 653 | 0 | 1,615 | 1,615 |
| White River, SD | 653 | 608 | 2,803 | 3,411 |
| Damascus, VA | 653 | 0 | 6,522 | 6,522 |
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