| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Jefferson/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 108 | n/a (estimate) | 8,731 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 161.7 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 323.4 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 485 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 1,212.6 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 86 | n/a | 6,952.3 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 80.8 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 8,246 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Jefferson crime rate is 275.7% 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 West Jefferson, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 485 per 100,000 individuals, 31.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, West Jefferson recorded 102 property crimes, amounting to 8246 per 100,000 residents, 321.9% higher than the U.S. average.
In West Jefferson, the crime rate stands at 8731 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 275.65%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in West Jefferson that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
During the most recently reported crime year, West Jefferson 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.
With a property crime rate of 8246 crimes per 100,000 people, West Jefferson unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in West Jefferson is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 13, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among West Jefferson 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: 92% of West Jefferson 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, 8% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in West Jefferson, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Jefferson presents a total crime rate that is 276% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Jefferson experiences an average of 0.3 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.28 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Jefferson has increased by 35%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Jefferson, 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 50%, while property crime has increased by 34.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Jefferson is a safe place to live.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower West Jefferson crime rate. The poverty level in West Jefferson is 16.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 West Jefferson, 72.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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. West Jefferson has a median home price of $144,700, 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.
| Item | West Jefferson | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.4 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cove Creek, NC | 1,087 | 128 | 655 | 783 |
| Millers Creek, NC | 1,461 | 183 | 931 | 1,113 |
| Jefferson, NC | 1,609 | 66 | 1,510 | 1,576 |
| Boone, NC | 19,466 | 111 | 1,527 | 1,638 |
| Lansing, NC | 278 | 564 | 2,874 | 3,438 |
| West Jefferson, NC | 1,767 | 485 | 8,246 | 8,731 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Felipe Pueblo, NM | 1,767 | 453 | 1,734 | 2,187 |
| Ogden, IA | 1,767 | 134 | 623 | 757 |
| Clarksville, VA | 1,766 | 110 | 796 | 905 |
| Campbell, MO | 1,768 | 261 | 977 | 1,238 |
| Inglis, FL | 1,768 | 125 | 757 | 882 |
| West Jefferson, NC | 1,767 | 485 | 8,246 | 8,731 |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
Top 10 cities in North Carolina with the best education system
10 best cities to buy a new house in North Carolina
These are the 10 most affordable cities in North Carolina