| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waynesboro/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 417 | n/a (estimate) | 1,762 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 8.4 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 54.9 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 25.3 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 37 | n/a | 156.3 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 245 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 169.0 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 275 | n/a | 1,161.7 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 44 | n/a | 185.9 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 359 | n/a (estimate) | 1,517 | 1,570 | 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 Waynesboro is 16.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 58 violent crimes reported in Waynesboro, equivalent to 245 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 31.8%. Additionally, Waynesboro recorded 359 property crimes, amounting to 1517 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 13.8%.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Waynesboro residents. Out of the respondents (24 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Waynesboro were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Waynesboro 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. Waynesboro has a total crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.14 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.98 daily property crimes) in Waynesboro.
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 Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro has decreased by 10.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 3.6% and property crime has decreased by 12%.
In Waynesboro, the current unemployment rate stands at 3%, 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 Waynesboro crime rates.
In Waynesboro, 79.3% 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.
Waynesboro has an average rental rate of $1,182 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 | Waynesboro | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 54 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Nellysford, VA | 1,415 | 31 | 220 | 251 |
| Crozet, VA | 7,383 | 71 | 511 | 581 |
| Weyers Cave, VA | 2,142 | 87 | 625 | 712 |
| Dooms, VA | 1,343 | 90 | 651 | 741 |
| Grottoes, VA | 2,906 | 264 | 528 | 792 |
| Lyndhurst, VA | 1,824 | 97 | 698 | 795 |
| Greenville, VA | 1,480 | 109 | 782 | 890 |
| Waynesboro, VA | 23,002 | 245 | 1,517 | 1,762 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hudson, OH | 22,996 | 35 | 475 | 510 |
| Mustang, OK | 22,986 | 139 | 667 | 807 |
| South Lake Tahoe, CA | 23,049 | 786 | 1,462 | 2,247 |
| Middletown, DE | 23,057 | 125 | 1,543 | 1,668 |
| Cockeysville, MD | 23,095 | 370 | 1,807 | 2,177 |
| Waynesboro, VA | 23,002 | 245 | 1,517 | 1,762 |
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