| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bluefield/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 139 | n/a (estimate) | 1,517 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 10.9 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 54.6 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 10.9 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 37 | n/a | 403.8 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 480 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 240.1 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 64 | n/a | 698.5 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 98.2 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 95 | n/a (estimate) | 1,037 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Bluefield is 28.4% lower 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 Bluefield, there were 44 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 480 per 100,000 individuals, 33.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 95 property crimes, amounting to 1037 per 100,000 residents, 41.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Bluefield 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 1 murders in Bluefield, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Bluefield 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: 38% of Bluefield 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, 62% 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 Bluefield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bluefield presents a total crime rate that is 28% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bluefield experiences an average of 0.38 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 0.26 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 25.2%. 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 decreased by 57.7%, while property crime has increased by 1257.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bluefield is a safe place to live.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Bluefield crime rates. For instance, in Bluefield, the population density stands at 1140.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Bluefield, 82.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Bluefield, the cost of living is 16.33% 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.
| Item | Bluefield | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | West Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| West Virginia | 4,917 | 266 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bluewell, WV | 2,834 | 102 | 477 | 579 |
| Brush Fork, WV | 1,062 | 117 | 546 | 663 |
| Pocahontas, VA | 249 | 0 | 791 | 791 |
| Springville, VA | 1,238 | 106 | 762 | 868 |
| Gratton, VA | 1,043 | 109 | 783 | 891 |
| Princeton, WV | 5,861 | 218 | 1,016 | 1,234 |
| Lashmeet, WV | 483 | 226 | 1,054 | 1,280 |
| Bluefield, WV | 10,163 | 480 | 1,037 | 1,517 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boiling Springs, SC | 10,161 | 311 | 1,400 | 1,712 |
| Fort Oglethorpe, GA | 10,157 | 150 | 2,978 | 3,128 |
| Rifle, CO | 10,154 | 302 | 1,009 | 1,310 |
| Charter Oak, CA | 10,172 | 416 | 1,778 | 2,194 |
| Gages Lake, IL | 10,172 | 147 | 874 | 1,021 |
| Bluefield, WV | 10,163 | 480 | 1,037 | 1,517 |
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