| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Amherst/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 1,088 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 94.6 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 94.6 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 189 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 47.3 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 756.9 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 94.6 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 899 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Amherst crime rate is 48.7% lower 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 Amherst, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 189 per 100,000 individuals, 47.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Amherst recorded 19 property crimes, amounting to 899 per 100,000 residents, 48.9% lower than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Amherst reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Is Amherst a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Amherst has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 49%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.06 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Amherst as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Amherst has increased by 91.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Amherst 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 didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 137.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Amherst.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Amherst, 74.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Amherst, there are 2.23 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Amherst, the average monthly rent stands at $879, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Amherst | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Piney Mountain, VA | 1,905 | 89 | 642 | 731 |
| Forest, VA | 11,470 | 190 | 1,367 | 1,556 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 83,703 | 357 | 1,738 | 2,095 |
| Madison Heights, VA | 11,834 | 279 | 2,006 | 2,285 |
| Arrington, VA | 808 | 296 | 2,132 | 2,428 |
| Amherst, VA | 2,640 | 189 | 899 | 1,088 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Eminence, KY | 2,640 | 0 | 1,525 | 1,525 |
| Monticello, UT | 2,640 | 102 | 624 | 725 |
| Lavonia, GA | 2,640 | 688 | 3,075 | 3,763 |
| Galva, IL | 2,639 | 158 | 939 | 1,097 |
| Lake View, AL | 2,639 | 77 | 258 | 336 |
| Amherst, VA | 2,640 | 189 | 899 | 1,088 |
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