| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Roanoke/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,537 | n/a (estimate) | 4,676 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 11.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 84 | n/a | 86.6 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 90 | n/a | 92.8 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 417 | n/a | 429.8 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 602 | n/a (estimate) | 620 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 376 | n/a | 387.5 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,176 | n/a | 3,273.3 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 383 | n/a | 394.7 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,935 | n/a (estimate) | 4,056 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Roanoke crime rate is 120.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Roanoke, there were 602 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 620 per 100,000 individuals, 72.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Roanoke recorded 3935 property crimes, amounting to 4056 per 100,000 residents, 130.4% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4676 per 100,000 residents, Roanoke has a crime rate that is 120.65% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Roanoke that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Roanoke has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 11 murders in Roanoke, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
Roanoke reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4056 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 25 chance of falling victim to property crime in Roanoke, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Roanoke. Based on the results of the surveys (123 responses), 22% of people felt that there was very little crime in Roanoke and felt safe walking alone at night. While 78% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Roanoke a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Roanoke crime rate is 121% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 12.43 crimes per day - 1.65 violent crimes and 10.78 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Roanoke crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Roanoke has increased by 5.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 24.6% and property crime has increased by 2.8%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Roanoke, there are 3.08 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Roanoke is $237,135, compared to a national average of $326,622.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Roanoke, the average rental rates are $1,214 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Roanoke | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 301 | 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 |
| Westlake Corner, VA | 1,801 | 40 | 289 | 329 |
| Daleville, VA | 2,816 | 61 | 436 | 497 |
| Laymantown, VA | 1,884 | 80 | 576 | 656 |
| Cloverdale, VA | 3,303 | 84 | 605 | 689 |
| Blue Ridge, VA | 3,254 | 114 | 823 | 937 |
| Cave Spring, VA | 25,814 | 228 | 1,645 | 1,873 |
| Vinton, VA | 8,401 | 149 | 1,765 | 1,914 |
| Roanoke, VA | 102,987 | 620 | 4,056 | 4,676 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kenosha, WI | 102,872 | 286 | 866 | 1,152 |
| Vacaville, CA | 103,113 | 293 | 1,740 | 2,033 |
| Vista, CA | 102,779 | 316 | 864 | 1,180 |
| Spokane Valley, WA | 102,600 | 242 | 3,516 | 3,758 |
| Boca Raton, FL | 102,418 | 171 | 1,677 | 1,848 |
| Roanoke, VA | 102,987 | 620 | 4,056 | 4,676 |
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