| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charlottesville/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,592 | n/a (estimate) | 3,550 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.2 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 42.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 27 | n/a | 60.2 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 114 | n/a | 254.2 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 161 | n/a (estimate) | 359 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 108 | n/a | 240.8 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,193 | n/a | 2,660.3 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 130 | n/a | 289.9 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,431 | n/a (estimate) | 3,191 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Charlottesville is 67.5% 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 Charlottesville, there were 161 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 359 per 100,000 individuals, 0% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1431 property crimes, amounting to 3191 per 100,000 residents, 81.3% higher than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Charlottesville is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Charlottesville reported 359 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Charlottesville residents. Out of the respondents (77 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Charlottesville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Charlottesville is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Charlottesville has an overall crime rate that is 68% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.36 daily occurrences, comprising 0.44 violent crimes and 3.92 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Charlottesville as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Charlottesville. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Charlottesville has increased by 10%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 29.7%, while property crime has increased by 17.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Charlottesville.
The Charlottesville area comprises a diverse array of over 26 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Martha Jefferson, North East and Greenbrier which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Main-Starr Hill, Longwood Dr and 29 North exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Charlottesville neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Charlottesville crime rates. The population density in Charlottesville is 4758.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Charlottesville, 86.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Charlottesville, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.21 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.
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 | Charlottesville | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 141 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Rivanna, VA | 1,903 | 31 | 220 | 251 |
| Crozet, VA | 7,383 | 71 | 511 | 581 |
| Pantops, VA | 4,396 | 71 | 513 | 584 |
| Ruckersville, VA | 1,282 | 84 | 607 | 691 |
| Ivy, VA | 756 | 88 | 634 | 722 |
| Twin Lakes, VA | 1,566 | 92 | 665 | 758 |
| Lake Monticello, VA | 10,739 | 145 | 1,042 | 1,187 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 48,748 | 359 | 3,191 | 3,550 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Providence, RI | 48,849 | 74 | 681 | 755 |
| El Dorado Hills, CA | 48,625 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| Beavercreek, OH | 48,876 | 74 | 1,994 | 2,068 |
| Burleson, TX | 48,615 | 171 | 1,089 | 1,260 |
| Chesterfield, MO | 48,902 | 96 | 1,286 | 1,382 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 48,748 | 359 | 3,191 | 3,550 |
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