| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Richlands/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 83 | n/a (estimate) | 1,648 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 79.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 19.9 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 297.8 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 397 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 178.7 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 50 | n/a | 992.7 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 79.4 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 1,251 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Richlands is 22.2% lower 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 Richlands, there were 20 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 10.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 63 property crimes, amounting to 1251 per 100,000 residents, 28.9% lower than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Richlands is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Richlands reported 397 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Richlands 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.
To determine if Richlands 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. Richlands has a total crime rate that is 22% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.23 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.17 daily property crimes) in Richlands.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Richlands. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Richlands has decreased by 1.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 300%, while property crimes have decreased by 20.3%. 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 Richlands, the poverty rate currently stands at 28.1%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Richlands crime rates.
In Richlands, 66.4% 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.
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 Richlands are $1,110, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Richlands | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 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 |
| Saltville, VA | 2,365 | 57 | 396 | 453 |
| Claypool Hill, VA | 1,477 | 102 | 737 | 839 |
| Cedar Bluff, VA | 1,174 | 111 | 800 | 912 |
| Honaker, VA | 1,474 | 119 | 860 | 980 |
| Raven, VA | 2,375 | 137 | 985 | 1,122 |
| Lebanon, VA | 3,300 | 129 | 3,100 | 3,229 |
| Richlands, VA | 5,463 | 397 | 1,251 | 1,648 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rothschild, WI | 5,463 | 221 | 919 | 1,140 |
| Greenacres, CA | 5,463 | 482 | 2,062 | 2,544 |
| Kalaheo, HI | 5,464 | 144 | 1,284 | 1,427 |
| Glasgow Village, MO | 5,464 | 590 | 2,477 | 3,067 |
| Moores Mill, AL | 5,465 | 156 | 680 | 837 |
| Richlands, VA | 5,463 | 397 | 1,251 | 1,648 |
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