| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Independence/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 2,985 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 99.5 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 100 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 99.5 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 27 | n/a | 2,686.6 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 99.5 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 2,886 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Independence is 40.9% 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 Independence, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 100 per 100,000 individuals, 72.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 29 property crimes, amounting to 2886 per 100,000 residents, 63.9% higher than the U.S. average.
Independence has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 100 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Independence ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Independence registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
To determine if Independence is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Independence has a total crime rate that is 41% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.08 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.08 daily property crimes) in Independence.
Year-over-year crime rates in Independence has increased by 200% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Independence is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 222.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Independence.
In Independence, 66.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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 Independence, the cost of living is 15.81% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Independence stands at $191,552, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Independence | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Sparta, NC | 1,952 | 154 | 806 | 960 |
| Ivanhoe, VA | 527 | 291 | 2,094 | 2,384 |
| Fries, VA | 514 | 335 | 2,411 | 2,745 |
| Galax, VA | 6,612 | 310 | 4,535 | 4,845 |
| Independence, VA | 1,130 | 100 | 2,886 | 2,985 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Scanlon, MN | 1,130 | 98 | 612 | 710 |
| Kenesaw, NE | 1,130 | 85 | 630 | 716 |
| Tiki Island, TX | 1,130 | 55 | 286 | 341 |
| Alvord, TX | 1,130 | 162 | 848 | 1,010 |
| Elkview, WV | 1,130 | 89 | 416 | 505 |
| Independence, VA | 1,130 | 100 | 2,886 | 2,985 |
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