| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bluefield/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 262 | n/a (estimate) | 5,285 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 100.9 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 80.7 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 141.2 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 323 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 161.4 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 233 | n/a | 4,700.4 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 100.9 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 246 | n/a (estimate) | 4,963 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bluefield is 127.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes reported in Bluefield, equivalent to 323 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 12.7%. Additionally, Bluefield recorded 246 property crimes, amounting to 4963 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 153.9%.
With a total of 5285 crimes per 100,000 people, the Bluefield crime rates stand at 127.41 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 Bluefield, 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.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bluefield has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 323 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.
During the most recently reported crime year, Bluefield 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.
Bluefield faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4963 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bluefield stands at 1 in 21, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bluefield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bluefield presents a total crime rate that is 127% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bluefield experiences an average of 0.72 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.67 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 Bluefield has increased by 12.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bluefield, 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 166.7%, while property crime has increased by 8.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bluefield is a safe place to live.
Bluefield has a poverty rate that stands at 11.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Bluefield crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Bluefield, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.39 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Bluefield, the average rental rates are $679 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Bluefield | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 |
| Athens, WV | 991 | 105 | 466 | 572 |
| Gratton, VA | 1,003 | 78 | 568 | 647 |
| Brush Fork, WV | 1,025 | 129 | 572 | 702 |
| Pocahontas, VA | 242 | 0 | 772 | 772 |
| Bluewell, WV | 2,740 | 145 | 643 | 789 |
| Springville, VA | 1,198 | 130 | 939 | 1,068 |
| Princeton, WV | 5,740 | 265 | 1,172 | 1,437 |
| Bluefield, VA | 4,832 | 323 | 4,963 | 5,285 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sonora, CA | 4,832 | 816 | 4,378 | 5,194 |
| Hunters Creek Village, TX | 4,834 | 112 | 597 | 710 |
| Porter, IN | 4,835 | 190 | 323 | 514 |
| Island Park, NY | 4,835 | 226 | 906 | 1,132 |
| Devine, TX | 4,829 | 67 | 1,874 | 1,941 |
| Bluefield, VA | 4,832 | 323 | 4,963 | 5,285 |
Here are the best places to live in Virginia
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Virginia
10 Best cities in Virginia for employment
See the best places to live in & around Bluefield