| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Newport News/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,786 | n/a (estimate) | 3,152 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 22 | n/a | 12.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 53 | n/a | 28.9 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 156 | n/a | 85.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,120 | n/a | 610.1 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,351 | n/a (estimate) | 736 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 407 | n/a | 221.7 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,504 | n/a | 1,908.9 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 524 | n/a | 285.5 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,435 | n/a (estimate) | 2,416 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
The Newport News crime rates are 48.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1351 violent crimes in Newport News (736 per 100,000 people), which is 105% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4435 property crimes (2416 per 100,000 residents) which is 37.3% higher than average.
With a violent crime rate of 736 crimes per 100,000 residents, Newport News is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Newport News ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 136 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Newport News ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Newport News, there were a total of 22 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes surveyed 139 local residents in Newport News to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 32% of people answered that there was very little crime in Newport News and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 68% 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.
Determining whether Newport News 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, Newport News has an overall crime rate that is 49% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 15.85 daily occurrences, comprising 3.7 violent crimes and 12.15 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Newport News as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Newport News. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Newport News has increased by 23.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 16.1%, while property crime has increased by 25.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Newport News.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Newport News, 84.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Newport News, the cost of living is 1.41% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The median home price in Newport News is $341,383, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Newport News | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 554 | 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 |
| Rushmere, VA | 1,024 | 65 | 472 | 537 |
| Yorktown, VA | 294 | 88 | 634 | 722 |
| Poquoson, VA | 12,541 | 313 | 665 | 977 |
| Carrollton, VA | 6,533 | 131 | 943 | 1,074 |
| Smithfield, VA | 8,784 | 175 | 1,105 | 1,281 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 15,371 | 199 | 1,205 | 1,404 |
| Gloucester Point, VA | 10,715 | 223 | 1,603 | 1,825 |
| Newport News, VA | 184,134 | 736 | 2,416 | 3,152 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ontario, CA | 185,250 | 272 | 1,817 | 2,090 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 185,280 | 343 | 1,320 | 1,663 |
| Providence, RI | 185,554 | 277 | 1,658 | 1,935 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 185,812 | 527 | 2,915 | 3,442 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 182,156 | 294 | 1,811 | 2,105 |
| Newport News, VA | 184,134 | 736 | 2,416 | 3,152 |
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