| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Williamsburg/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 226 | n/a (estimate) | 1,404 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.2 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 43.5 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 24.8 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 124.2 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 199 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 62.1 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 180 | n/a | 1,118.2 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 24.8 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 194 | n/a (estimate) | 1,205 | 1,570 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Williamsburg crime rate is lower than the national average by 33.8%. Specifically, there were 32 violent crimes in Williamsburg, equivalent to 199 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 44.6%. Furthermore, Williamsburg recorded 194 property crimes, amounting to 1205 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 31.5%.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Williamsburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 51 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Williamsburg residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 34%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.62 daily incidents, encompassing 0.09 violent crimes and 0.53 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Williamsburg as a potential place to call home.
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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg has decreased by 7.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 31.9% and property crime has decreased by 1.5%.
Williamsburg has a population density of 1719.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Williamsburg crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Williamsburg, the cost of living is 18.73% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Williamsburg, the average monthly rent stands at $1,757, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Williamsburg | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 41 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Rushmere, VA | 1,024 | 65 | 472 | 537 |
| Gloucester Courthouse, VA | 3,060 | 88 | 630 | 718 |
| Yorktown, VA | 294 | 88 | 634 | 722 |
| Gloucester Point, VA | 10,715 | 223 | 1,603 | 1,825 |
| Surry, VA | 337 | 258 | 1,859 | 2,118 |
| Newport News, VA | 184,134 | 736 | 2,416 | 3,152 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 15,371 | 199 | 1,205 | 1,404 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alpine, CA | 15,370 | 259 | 1,106 | 1,364 |
| Kilgore, TX | 15,388 | 339 | 2,196 | 2,535 |
| Sterling, IL | 15,351 | 319 | 1,333 | 1,653 |
| Vandalia, OH | 15,393 | 168 | 1,771 | 1,939 |
| Jackson, MO | 15,346 | 82 | 1,035 | 1,117 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 15,371 | 199 | 1,205 | 1,404 |