| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Roanoke/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,806 | n/a (estimate) | 4,894 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 18 | n/a | 18.3 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 114 | n/a | 116.1 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 98 | n/a | 99.8 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 364 | n/a | 370.7 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 594 | n/a (estimate) | 605 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 508 | n/a | 517.3 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,295 | n/a | 3,355.3 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 409 | n/a | 416.5 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,212 | n/a (estimate) | 4,289 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Roanoke crime rate is 110.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Roanoke, there were 594 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 605 per 100,000 individuals, 63.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Roanoke recorded 4212 property crimes, amounting to 4289 per 100,000 residents, 119.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4894 crimes per 100,000 people, the Roanoke crime rates stand at 110.56 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Roanoke, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Roanoke ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Roanoke, there were a total of 18 murders, translating to 18 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Roanoke reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4289 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Roanoke, 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.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Roanoke has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Roanoke reported 409 vehicle thefts, which equates to 416 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Roanoke is 1 in 241.
AreaVibes surveyed 115 local residents in Roanoke to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Roanoke and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Roanoke, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Roanoke presents a total crime rate that is 111% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Roanoke experiences an average of 13.17 daily crimes, comprising 1.63 violent incidents and 11.54 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Roanoke has increased by 11.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Roanoke is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 23%, while property crime has increased by 10%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Roanoke.
Roanoke has a population density of 2331.1 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 Roanoke crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Roanoke, the cost of living is 10.83% lower than the national average.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Roanoke is $134,900, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Roanoke | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 301 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Westlake Corner, VA | 1,748 | 50 | 365 | 416 |
| Daleville, VA | 2,716 | 94 | 682 | 776 |
| Laymantown, VA | 1,836 | 101 | 735 | 836 |
| Blue Ridge, VA | 3,169 | 106 | 771 | 878 |
| Cloverdale, VA | 3,193 | 114 | 827 | 941 |
| Glenvar, VA | 821 | 117 | 847 | 964 |
| Elliston, VA | 1,040 | 131 | 952 | 1,084 |
| Roanoke, VA | 99,122 | 605 | 4,289 | 4,894 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carmel, IN | 99,130 | 65 | 808 | 872 |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 98,997 | 138 | 2,098 | 2,236 |
| Spokane Valley, WA | 99,275 | 333 | 4,062 | 4,395 |
| Boca Raton, FL | 98,776 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Chico, CA | 98,683 | 575 | 1,661 | 2,236 |
| Roanoke, VA | 99,122 | 605 | 4,289 | 4,894 |
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