Harrisonburg, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg crime rate is lower than the national average by 11.4%. Specifically, there were 129 violent crimes in Harrisonburg, equivalent to 251 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 32.1%. Furthermore, Harrisonburg recorded 929 property crimes, amounting to 1809 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 7.5%.

In terms of the total Harrisonburg crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Harrisonburg, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

Harrisonburg exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1809 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Harrisonburg maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Harrisonburg?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Harrisonburg. Based on the results of the surveys (27 responses), 59% of people felt that there was very little crime in Harrisonburg and felt safe walking alone at night. While 41% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Harrisonburg a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Harrisonburg 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, Harrisonburg has an overall crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.9 daily occurrences, comprising 0.35 violent crimes and 2.55 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Harrisonburg as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Harrisonburg Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Harrisonburg has increased by 14.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Harrisonburg, 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 3.2%, while property crime has increased by 16.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Harrisonburg is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Harrisonburg

In Harrisonburg, the cost of living is 0.88% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Harrisonburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.96 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Harrisonburg has a median home price of $220,100, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

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