| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pennington Gap/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 2,884 | 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 | 3 | n/a | 188.1 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 188 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 313.5 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 38 | n/a | 2,382.4 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 2,696 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Pennington Gap is 24.1% 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 Pennington Gap, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 188 per 100,000 individuals, 49.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 43 property crimes, amounting to 2696 per 100,000 residents, 37.9% higher than the U.S. average.
Pennington Gap showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Pennington Gap was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Pennington Gap, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Pennington Gap presents a total crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Pennington Gap experiences an average of 0.13 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.12 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Pennington Gap. 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 Pennington Gap has increased by 18%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Pennington Gap.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Pennington Gap crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Pennington Gap has an unemployment rate of 9.5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Pennington Gap crime rates. The population density in Pennington Gap is 1385 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Pennington Gap, 55% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
| Item | Pennington Gap | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 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 |
| Jonesville, VA | 1,355 | 0 | 696 | 696 |
| Evarts, KY | 701 | 0 | 824 | 824 |
| Dryden, VA | 891 | 127 | 919 | 1,046 |
| Appalachia, VA | 1,400 | 131 | 952 | 1,084 |
| Sneedville, TN | 1,599 | 331 | 1,226 | 1,558 |
| Big Stone Gap, VA | 5,209 | 155 | 1,785 | 1,940 |
| Lynch, KY | 536 | 287 | 1,945 | 2,232 |
| Pennington Gap, VA | 2,310 | 188 | 2,696 | 2,884 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Quitman, TX | 2,310 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Arroyo Seco, NM | 2,311 | 408 | 1,562 | 1,970 |
| Boles Acres, NM | 2,311 | 312 | 1,192 | 1,504 |
| Ashville, AL | 2,309 | 210 | 1,305 | 1,515 |
| Zwolle, LA | 2,312 | 384 | 1,676 | 2,060 |
| Pennington Gap, VA | 2,310 | 188 | 2,696 | 2,884 |
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