D+
75%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
31%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
95%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleGalax/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime271n/a (estimate)4,0741,9302,324
Murder0n/a0.07.36.3
Rape2n/a30.130.240.0
Robbery1n/a15.038.466.1
Assault14n/a210.5158.1268.2
Violent crime17n/a (estimate)256234370
Burglary22n/a330.7124.6269.8
Theft202n/a3,036.71,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft30n/a451.0160.7282.7
Property crime254n/a (estimate)3,8181,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Galax, VA

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 Galax crime rate is higher than the national average by 75.3%. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes in Galax, equivalent to 256 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 30.9%. Furthermore, Galax recorded 254 property crimes, amounting to 3818 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 95.4%.

Galax has a crime rate of 4074 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 75.28%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Galax. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

In the most recently reported crime year, Galax 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.

Galax reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3818 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Galax, 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.

With a total of 30 vehicle thefts last year, Galax has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 451 per 100,000 people. This lands Galax in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 222.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Galax?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Galax residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 19 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 26% of Galax residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 74% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Galax a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Galax 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. Galax has a total crime rate that is 75% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.74 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.7 daily property crimes) in Galax.

Has Crime in Galax Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Galax. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Galax has increased by 8%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 8.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Galax.

Potential Causes for Crime in Galax

Galax has a population density of 777.3 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 Galax crime rates.

In Galax, the cost of living is 16.45% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Galax, the average rental rates are $571 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Galax crime map



The Galax crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Galax as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Galax crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Galax crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Galax, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Galax crime rates are 75% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Galax are 31% lower than the national average
      • In Galax you have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Galax is safer than 24% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Galax has increased by 1%

      Galax, VA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Galax (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Galax, Virginia is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Galax are 2.11 times more than the Virginia average and 1.75 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Galax are 1.09 times more than than Virginia and 1.45 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Galax are 2.25 times more than than Virginia and 1.95 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Galax (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Virginia and all other cities across the US, is Galax safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Galax is safer than 19% of other cities in the state of Virginia. In addition, Galax is safer than 24% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Virginia and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Galax. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Galax is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Galax

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Galax is 1 in 392
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Galax is 1 in 27
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Galax is 1 in 25
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Galax? In Galax, VA you have a 1 in 392 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Galax.

        Year Over Year Crime In Galax (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Galax is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Galax violent crime rates have decreased by 6%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 2% year over year. Total crimes for Galax has increased by 1% in the same time frame.

        Galax police department

        Item Galax Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)388,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.43.23.3
        There are a total of 38 Galax police officers. This results in 5.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 67.2% greater than the Virginia average and 65.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Cana, VA1,8001238941,017
        Independence, VA1,1011319521,084
        Sparta, NC1,8781899651,154
        Hillsville, VA2,6792451,4011,646
        Fries, VA4993662,6563,022
        Lowgap, NC2465162,6293,145
        Galax, VA6,4022563,8184,074

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kathleen, FL6,4022951,7812,076
        Buena Vista, MI6,4016001,9992,599
        Millersville, TN6,403289529817
        Hampstead, MD6,4031588511,009
        Opp, AL6,4054672,1082,575
        Galax, VA6,4022563,8184,074
        Source: The Galax, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.