| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chincoteague/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 1,231 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 30.8 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 92.3 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 123 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 153.9 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 27 | n/a | 831.0 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 123.1 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 1,108 | 1,570 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Chincoteague crime rate is 41.9% 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 Chincoteague, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 123 per 100,000 individuals, 65.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Chincoteague recorded 36 property crimes, amounting to 1108 per 100,000 residents, 37.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Chincoteague showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Chincoteague residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 72% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Chincoteague were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 28% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Chincoteague, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Chincoteague presents a total crime rate that is 42% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Chincoteague experiences an average of 0.11 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.1 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Chincoteague. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Chincoteague has increased by 17.7%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have increased by 20%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Chincoteague, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Chincoteague crime rates. The population density in Chincoteague is 317.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Chincoteague, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.68 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Chincoteague | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.7 | 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 |
| New Church, VA | 182 | 88 | 634 | 722 |
| Captains Cove, VA | 1,298 | 94 | 676 | 770 |
| Snow Hill, MD | 2,284 | 216 | 907 | 1,123 |
| Wattsville, VA | 643 | 284 | 2,042 | 2,325 |
| Gargatha, VA | 420 | 294 | 2,120 | 2,414 |
| Girdletree, MD | 119 | 423 | 2,065 | 2,488 |
| Atlantic, VA | 578 | 316 | 2,275 | 2,591 |
| Chincoteague, VA | 2,943 | 123 | 1,108 | 1,231 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cetronia, PA | 2,943 | 67 | 390 | 456 |
| Welch, WV | 2,943 | 141 | 658 | 799 |
| Eufaula, OK | 2,943 | 245 | 1,961 | 2,207 |
| Good Hope, AL | 2,942 | 145 | 632 | 778 |
| Elgin, SC | 2,942 | 424 | 5,394 | 5,818 |
| Chincoteague, VA | 2,943 | 123 | 1,108 | 1,231 |