| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Roanoke/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 252 | n/a (estimate) | 4,657 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 55.4 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 37.0 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 37 | n/a | 683.8 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 776 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 554.4 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 163 | n/a | 3,012.4 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 314.2 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 210 | n/a (estimate) | 3,881 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Roanoke is 119.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 42 violent crimes reported in Roanoke, equivalent to 776 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 116.2%. Additionally, Roanoke recorded 210 property crimes, amounting to 3881 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 120.5%.
Roanoke has a crime rate of 4657 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 119.76%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Roanoke. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Roanoke ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 776 per 100,000 people, Roanoke is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 129 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Roanoke, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Roanoke experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Roanoke has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3881 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Roanoke is 1 in 26, which is far higher than the national average.
Is Roanoke 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, Roanoke has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 120%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.69 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Roanoke as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Roanoke has increased by 47.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Roanoke, 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 2.4%, while property crime has increased by 61.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Roanoke is a safe place to live.
In Roanoke, the poverty rate currently stands at 19.4%, 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 Roanoke crime rates.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Roanoke currently has an unemployment rate of 4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Roanoke has an average rental rate of $906 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Roanoke | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 27 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.5 | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fredonia, AL | 234 | 220 | 955 | 1,174 |
| Standing Rock, AL | 114 | 280 | 1,216 | 1,496 |
| Rock Mills, AL | 449 | 507 | 2,204 | 2,711 |
| Abanda, AL | 200 | 578 | 2,514 | 3,093 |
| Wedowee, AL | 887 | 799 | 4,128 | 4,927 |
| Roanoke, AL | 6,123 | 776 | 3,881 | 4,657 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Darlington, SC | 6,123 | 1,131 | 5,887 | 7,018 |
| Sweetwater, TN | 6,125 | 343 | 1,374 | 1,717 |
| Lebanon, KY | 6,121 | 152 | 970 | 1,122 |
| Columbia, MS | 6,125 | 212 | 1,374 | 1,585 |
| Brownfields, LA | 6,120 | 420 | 1,854 | 2,274 |
| Roanoke, AL | 6,123 | 776 | 3,881 | 4,657 |
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