C-
15%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
19%
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 peopleSouth Boston/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime210n/a (estimate)2,6641,9302,324
Murder3n/a38.17.36.3
Rape3n/a38.130.240.0
Robbery2n/a25.438.466.1
Assault18n/a228.3158.1268.2
Violent crime26n/a (estimate)330234370
Burglary17n/a215.6124.6269.8
Theft157n/a1,991.41,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft10n/a126.8160.7282.7
Property crime184n/a (estimate)2,3341,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in South Boston, VA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Boston is 14.6% 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 South Boston, there were 26 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 330 per 100,000 individuals, 10.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 184 property crimes, amounting to 2334 per 100,000 residents, 19.4% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in South Boston per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within South Boston, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, South Boston has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 330 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. South Boston has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in South Boston, which is 38 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in South Boston?

What is the prevailing sentiment among South Boston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 13 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 15% of South Boston 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, 85% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is South Boston a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in South Boston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. South Boston presents a total crime rate that is 15% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, South Boston experiences an average of 0.58 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.5 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in South Boston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in South Boston crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in South Boston has increased by 14.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 18.8% and property crime has increased by 21.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Boston

In South Boston, the cost of living is 16.23% lower 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.

South Boston has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.78 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in South Boston stands at $128,300, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

South Boston crime map



The South Boston crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in South Boston 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 South Boston crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the South Boston 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 South Boston, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South Boston crime rates are 15% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South Boston are 11% lower than the national average
      • In South Boston you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South Boston is safer than 28% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South Boston has increased by 9%

      South Boston, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around South Boston

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        Daily Crime In South Boston (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in South Boston, Virginia is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for South Boston are 1.38 times more than the Virginia average and 1.15 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in South Boston are 1.41 times more than than Virginia and 1.12 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in South Boston are 1.38 times more than than Virginia and 1.19 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is South Boston (higher is better)

        Is South Boston safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Virginia as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in South Boston to other cities in the state and across the country, South Boston is 25% safer than other cities of Virginia and 28% safer than other cities in the nation. South Boston has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South Boston

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South Boston is 1 in 304
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South Boston is 1 in 43
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South Boston is 1 in 38
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in South Boston? In South Boston, VA you have a 1 in 304 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 43 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime in South Boston.

        Year Over Year Crime In South Boston (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in South Boston, VA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in South Boston has decreased by 23%, while the property crime rate in South Boston has increased by 15% year over year. Summing up the numbers, South Boston has increased by 9% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        South Boston police department

        Item South Boston Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)318,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.83.23.3
        There are a total of 31 South Boston police officers. This results in 3.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 17.6% greater than the Virginia average and 16.4% 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
        Riverdale, VA1,077120871991
        Mountain Road, VA9381319521,084
        Halifax, VA1,5453641,2751,639
        Cluster Springs, VA7683482,5252,873
        Scottsburg, VA1123552,5742,929
        Clover, VA5363772,7303,106
        South Boston, VA7,6763302,3342,664

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Broadview, IL7,6772951,7312,026
        Waller, WA7,6723362,9963,331
        Seminole, TX7,6832558921,146
        Butler, NJ7,66912488500
        Gettysburg, PA7,6842581,3641,621
        South Boston, VA7,6763302,3342,664
        Source: The South Boston, 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.