| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Emporia/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 224 | n/a (estimate) | 3,974 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 53.2 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 35.5 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 177.4 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 177.4 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 443 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 425.8 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 162 | n/a | 2,873.9 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 230.6 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 199 | n/a (estimate) | 3,530 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Emporia is 71% 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 Emporia, there were 25 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 443 per 100,000 individuals, 19.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 199 property crimes, amounting to 3530 per 100,000 residents, 80.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Emporia has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Emporia, which is 53 murders per 100,000 people.
Emporia faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3530 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Emporia stands at 1 in 29, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Emporia residents. Out of the respondents (23 in total), 13% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Emporia were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 87% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Emporia a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Emporia has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 71%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.61 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Emporia as a potential place to call home.
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 Emporia 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 Emporia has increased by 34.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 13.6% and property crime has increased by 38.2%.
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 Emporia, 68.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Emporia, the cost of living is 9.1% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Emporia is $121,600, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Emporia | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.7 | 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 |
| Gaston, NC | 1,290 | 212 | 1,082 | 1,294 |
| Jarratt, VA | 866 | 352 | 2,553 | 2,906 |
| Seaboard, NC | 743 | 571 | 2,912 | 3,483 |
| Emporia, VA | 5,408 | 443 | 3,530 | 3,974 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brush, CO | 5,408 | 581 | 3,720 | 4,301 |
| Wind Lake, WI | 5,407 | 118 | 549 | 667 |
| Zephyrhills West, FL | 5,409 | 230 | 1,392 | 1,622 |
| Terrell Hills, TX | 5,409 | 40 | 1,271 | 1,311 |
| Wyndmoor, PA | 5,406 | 91 | 482 | 573 |
| Emporia, VA | 5,408 | 443 | 3,530 | 3,974 |
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