| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Colonial Heights/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 678 | n/a (estimate) | 3,644 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 10.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 26.9 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 53.7 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 370.9 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 462 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 161.2 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 542 | n/a | 2,913.2 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 20 | n/a | 107.5 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 592 | n/a (estimate) | 3,182 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
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 Colonial Heights is 72% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 86 violent crimes reported in Colonial Heights, equivalent to 462 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 28.7%. Additionally, Colonial Heights recorded 592 property crimes, amounting to 3182 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 80.8%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Colonial Heights 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 2 murders in Colonial Heights, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Colonial Heights 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: 23% of Colonial Heights 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, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Colonial Heights 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, Colonial Heights has an overall crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.86 daily occurrences, comprising 0.24 violent crimes and 1.62 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Colonial Heights as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Colonial Heights has decreased by 16.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Colonial Heights, 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 16.2%, while property crime has decreased by 19.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Colonial Heights is a safe place to live.
In Colonial Heights, the poverty rate currently stands at 9.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Colonial Heights crime rates.
In Colonial Heights, the current unemployment rate stands at 5%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Colonial Heights crime rates.
Colonial Heights has a population density of 2344.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Colonial Heights crime rates.
| Item | Colonial Heights | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 54 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Prince George, VA | 1,686 | 74 | 530 | 604 |
| Matoaca, VA | 2,802 | 107 | 770 | 877 |
| Enon, VA | 4,373 | 165 | 1,187 | 1,351 |
| Brandermill, VA | 14,184 | 167 | 1,202 | 1,369 |
| Chester, VA | 22,686 | 233 | 1,678 | 1,910 |
| Bensley, VA | 6,198 | 254 | 1,831 | 2,085 |
| Ettrick, VA | 5,172 | 257 | 1,854 | 2,112 |
| Colonial Heights, VA | 17,631 | 462 | 3,182 | 3,644 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clive, IA | 17,633 | 209 | 1,166 | 1,375 |
| Lake Mary, FL | 17,634 | 138 | 1,038 | 1,176 |
| Lebanon, OR | 17,626 | 144 | 1,052 | 1,196 |
| Mattoon, IL | 17,637 | 528 | 1,203 | 1,731 |
| North Canton, OH | 17,640 | 57 | 1,092 | 1,149 |
| Colonial Heights, VA | 17,631 | 462 | 3,182 | 3,644 |
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