| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Emporia/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 215 | n/a (estimate) | 3,962 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 18.4 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 18.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 147.4 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 884.6 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 1,069 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 313.3 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 139 | n/a | 2,561.7 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 18.4 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 157 | n/a (estimate) | 2,893 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Emporia is 87% 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 Emporia, there were 58 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1069 per 100,000 individuals, 197.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 157 property crimes, amounting to 2893 per 100,000 residents, 64.4% higher than the U.S. average.
Emporia is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1069 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Emporia is 1 in 94.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Emporia is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Emporia, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Emporia being a very dangerous place to live.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Emporia residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 25 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 12% of Emporia 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, 88% 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 Emporia, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Emporia presents a total crime rate that is 87% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Emporia experiences an average of 0.59 daily crimes, comprising 0.16 violent incidents and 0.43 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 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 Emporia 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 Emporia has increased by 29.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 163.6% and property crime has increased by 9%.
Emporia reports an unemployment rate of 11.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Emporia crime rates.
In Emporia, 68.8% 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.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Emporia, the cost of living is 9.58% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 | Emporia | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.7 | 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 |
| Gaston, NC | 1,330 | 188 | 982 | 1,170 |
| Jarratt, VA | 890 | 296 | 2,134 | 2,430 |
| Seaboard, NC | 767 | 440 | 2,304 | 2,744 |
| Emporia, VA | 5,571 | 1,069 | 2,893 | 3,962 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Davenport, FL | 5,569 | 74 | 344 | 418 |
| Zephyrhills West, FL | 5,574 | 276 | 1,467 | 1,742 |
| Eagleville, PA | 5,575 | 122 | 711 | 833 |
| Marksville, LA | 5,575 | 1,848 | 3,570 | 5,418 |
| Terrell Hills, TX | 5,567 | 40 | 1,718 | 1,758 |
| Emporia, VA | 5,571 | 1,069 | 2,893 | 3,962 |
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