| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pulaski/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 255 | n/a (estimate) | 2,892 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 56.7 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 34.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 41 | n/a | 465.0 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 567 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 442.3 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 155 | n/a | 1,757.8 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 124.7 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 2,325 | 1,570 | 1,760 |

The Pulaski crime rates are 36.5% 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 50 violent crimes in Pulaski (567 per 100,000 people), which is 57.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 205 property crimes (2325 per 100,000 residents) which is 32.1% higher than average.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Pulaski stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Pulaski, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Pulaski to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 45% of people answered that there was very little crime in Pulaski and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 55% 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 Pulaski 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, Pulaski has an overall crime rate that is 36% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.7 daily occurrences, comprising 0.14 violent crimes and 0.56 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Pulaski as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Pulaski. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Pulaski has decreased by 5.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 194.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 19.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Pulaski, the current unemployment rate stands at 4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Pulaski crime rates.
In Pulaski, the cost of living is 11.84% lower 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 Pulaski is $200,922, 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 | Pulaski | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.9 | 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 |
| Fairlawn, VA | 2,741 | 101 | 724 | 825 |
| Plum Creek, VA | 1,092 | 113 | 813 | 926 |
| Radford, VA | 18,418 | 213 | 902 | 1,115 |
| Dublin, VA | 2,701 | 188 | 1,054 | 1,242 |
| Max Meadows, VA | 422 | 233 | 1,677 | 1,910 |
| Allisonia, VA | 117 | 267 | 1,923 | 2,190 |
| Draper, VA | 705 | 269 | 1,937 | 2,206 |
| Pulaski, VA | 9,058 | 567 | 2,325 | 2,892 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cortez, CO | 9,056 | 461 | 2,939 | 3,399 |
| Edgewater, MD | 9,056 | 308 | 1,502 | 1,810 |
| Monmouth, IL | 9,066 | 366 | 1,371 | 1,738 |
| Smithville, NJ | 9,067 | 237 | 1,553 | 1,791 |
| Miramar Beach, FL | 9,072 | 94 | 498 | 592 |
| Pulaski, VA | 9,058 | 567 | 2,325 | 2,892 |