| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gretna/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 1,099 | 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 | 1 | n/a | 78.5 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 78 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 784.9 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 235.5 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 1,020 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gretna is 52.7% 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 Gretna, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 78 per 100,000 individuals, 78.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 13 property crimes, amounting to 1020 per 100,000 residents, 47.8% lower than the U.S. average.
Gretna has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 78 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Gretna ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Gretna 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.
Is Gretna 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, Gretna has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 53%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.04 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Gretna as a potential place to call home.
In Gretna, the poverty rate currently stands at 35.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Gretna crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Gretna, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Gretna, the average monthly rent stands at $718, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Gretna | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Chatham, VA | 1,756 | 0 | 85 | 85 |
| Hurt, VA | 1,457 | 119 | 862 | 981 |
| Altavista, VA | 3,439 | 299 | 2,300 | 2,599 |
| Motley, VA | 656 | 360 | 2,606 | 2,966 |
| Gretna, VA | 1,434 | 78 | 1,020 | 1,099 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV | 1,434 | 118 | 522 | 639 |
| West Crossett, AR | 1,434 | 286 | 1,089 | 1,375 |
| Greenville, VA | 1,434 | 116 | 839 | 954 |
| Lakeshire, MO | 1,435 | 131 | 654 | 785 |
| Flat Rock CDP, NC | 1,435 | 207 | 1,057 | 1,264 |
| Gretna, VA | 1,434 | 78 | 1,020 | 1,099 |
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