| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Valdosta/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,544 | n/a (estimate) | 4,634 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 7.3 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 49.2 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 63 | n/a | 114.8 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 211 | n/a | 384.4 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 305 | n/a (estimate) | 556 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 250 | n/a | 455.4 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,855 | n/a | 3,379.1 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 134 | n/a | 244.1 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,239 | n/a (estimate) | 4,079 | 1,675 | 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 Valdosta is 118.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 305 violent crimes reported in Valdosta, equivalent to 556 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 54.7%. Additionally, Valdosta recorded 2239 property crimes, amounting to 4079 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 131.7%.
In Valdosta, the crime rate stands at 4634 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 118.68%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Valdosta that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Valdosta reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4079 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 Valdosta, 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 surveyed 67 local residents in Valdosta to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 60% of people answered that there was very little crime in Valdosta and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 40% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Valdosta, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Valdosta presents a total crime rate that is 119% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Valdosta experiences an average of 6.97 daily crimes, comprising 0.84 violent incidents and 6.13 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta has increased by 72.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 47.3% and property crime has increased by 77%.
Valdosta reports an unemployment rate of 3.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Valdosta crime rates.
Valdosta has a population density of 1612.8 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Valdosta crime rates.
In Valdosta, the cost of living is 9.71% 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Valdosta | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 175 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Georgia /100K | National /100K |
| Georgia | 23,117 | 275 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cecil, GA | 296 | 0 | 356 | 356 |
| Dasher, GA | 1,100 | 120 | 616 | 736 |
| Lake Park, GA | 885 | 173 | 890 | 1,063 |
| Lakeland, GA | 3,412 | 218 | 1,121 | 1,339 |
| Hahira, GA | 3,083 | 402 | 1,177 | 1,579 |
| Morven, GA | 916 | 520 | 2,672 | 3,192 |
| Valdosta, GA | 57,835 | 556 | 4,079 | 4,634 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pocatello, ID | 57,833 | 341 | 1,587 | 1,928 |
| Tamiami, FL | 57,787 | 173 | 920 | 1,093 |
| Dearborn Heights, MI | 57,763 | 459 | 1,239 | 1,697 |
| Tinley Park, IL | 57,746 | 109 | 1,245 | 1,354 |
| Diamond Bar, CA | 57,925 | 78 | 1,862 | 1,940 |
| Valdosta, GA | 57,835 | 556 | 4,079 | 4,634 |
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