| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Harrisonburg/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,005 | n/a (estimate) | 1,960 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 56.6 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 21.5 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 97 | n/a | 189.2 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 137 | n/a (estimate) | 267 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 69 | n/a | 134.6 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 755 | n/a | 1,472.6 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 44 | n/a | 85.8 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 868 | n/a (estimate) | 1,693 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Harrisonburg crime rate is lower than the national average by 7.5%. Specifically, there were 137 violent crimes in Harrisonburg, equivalent to 267 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 25.6%. Furthermore, Harrisonburg recorded 868 property crimes, amounting to 1693 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 3.8%.
In terms of the total Harrisonburg crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Harrisonburg, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
Harrisonburg 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.
Harrisonburg has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1693 property crimes in Harrisonburg, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
AreaVibes surveyed 33 local residents in Harrisonburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 55% of people answered that there was very little crime in Harrisonburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 45% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Harrisonburg a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Harrisonburg has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 8%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.75 daily incidents, encompassing 0.38 violent crimes and 2.38 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Harrisonburg as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Harrisonburg has increased by 8.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Harrisonburg, 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 9.6%, while property crime has increased by 8.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Harrisonburg is a safe place to live.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Harrisonburg, the cost of living is 3.6% higher than the national average.
Harrisonburg has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.96 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Harrisonburg are $1,378, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Harrisonburg | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 99 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Shenandoah, VA | 3,003 | 121 | 242 | 363 |
| Broadway, VA | 4,042 | 46 | 344 | 389 |
| Belmont Estates, VA | 1,234 | 59 | 423 | 482 |
| Massanutten, VA | 2,690 | 72 | 521 | 593 |
| Bridgewater, VA | 6,263 | 29 | 572 | 601 |
| Dayton, VA | 1,590 | 80 | 575 | 655 |
| Weyers Cave, VA | 2,142 | 87 | 625 | 712 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 54,682 | 267 | 1,693 | 1,960 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West New York, NJ | 54,664 | 297 | 1,463 | 1,760 |
| DeSoto, TX | 54,643 | 326 | 1,643 | 1,969 |
| Wheaton, IL | 54,594 | 49 | 541 | 591 |
| Peabody, MA | 54,577 | 255 | 837 | 1,092 |
| Severn, MD | 54,800 | 370 | 1,806 | 2,177 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 54,682 | 267 | 1,693 | 1,960 |
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