| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Colonial Heights/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 686 | n/a (estimate) | 3,724 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.4 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 43.4 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 76.0 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 33 | n/a | 179.2 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 304 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 25 | n/a | 135.7 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 593 | n/a | 3,219.5 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 65.2 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 630 | n/a (estimate) | 3,420 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Colonial Heights is 60.2% 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 Colonial Heights, there were 56 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 individuals, 17.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 630 property crimes, amounting to 3420 per 100,000 residents, 75% higher than the U.S. average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Colonial Heights? Well, based on a recent survey of 13 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 23% of Colonial Heights residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 77% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe 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 60% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.88 daily occurrences, comprising 0.15 violent crimes and 1.73 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.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Colonial Heights crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Colonial Heights has decreased by 15.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 24.3% and property crime has decreased by 14.6%.
Colonial Heights has a poverty rate that stands at 9.9, 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 Colonial Heights 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.
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. Colonial Heights, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In Colonial Heights, 83.3% 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.
| 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 | 1,629 | 123 | 890 | 1,013 |
| Matoaca, VA | 2,725 | 127 | 921 | 1,048 |
| Enon, VA | 4,237 | 138 | 1,003 | 1,141 |
| Brandermill, VA | 13,887 | 214 | 1,551 | 1,765 |
| Fort Lee, VA | 5,944 | 249 | 1,802 | 2,051 |
| Bellwood, VA | 7,808 | 280 | 2,029 | 2,309 |
| Bensley, VA | 6,044 | 287 | 2,080 | 2,367 |
| Colonial Heights, VA | 17,283 | 304 | 3,420 | 3,724 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lindenwold, NJ | 17,288 | 386 | 1,896 | 2,281 |
| Taylor, TX | 17,291 | 151 | 1,588 | 1,738 |
| Mattoon, IL | 17,273 | 414 | 2,430 | 2,845 |
| Brenham, TX | 17,297 | 367 | 1,475 | 1,842 |
| Shorewood, IL | 17,303 | 65 | 644 | 709 |
| Colonial Heights, VA | 17,283 | 304 | 3,420 | 3,724 |
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