| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wise/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 48 | n/a (estimate) | 1,664 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 34.7 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 69.3 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 104 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 138.7 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 37 | n/a | 1,282.9 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 138.7 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 1,560 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Wise crime rate is 28.4% lower 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 Wise, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 104 per 100,000 individuals, 71.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Wise recorded 45 property crimes, amounting to 1560 per 100,000 residents, 20.2% lower than the U.S. average.
With only 104 incidents per 100,000 people, Wise boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Wise has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wise reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wise 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 Wise crime rate is 28% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wise. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wise has increased by 20%. Violent crimes have decreased by 50%, while property crimes have increased by 32.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wise, 78.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Wise, the cost of living is 12.76% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Wise is $113,800, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Wise | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Whitesburg, KY | 2,215 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jenkins, KY | 1,815 | 0 | 108 | 108 |
| Clintwood, VA | 1,563 | 123 | 889 | 1,012 |
| Appalachia, VA | 1,400 | 131 | 952 | 1,084 |
| Coeburn, VA | 1,472 | 147 | 1,064 | 1,211 |
| Big Stone Gap, VA | 5,209 | 155 | 1,785 | 1,940 |
| St. Paul, VA | 857 | 119 | 1,909 | 2,029 |
| Wise, VA | 2,954 | 104 | 1,560 | 1,664 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Allendale, SC | 2,953 | 1,257 | 2,628 | 3,884 |
| Groveville, NJ | 2,953 | 81 | 565 | 646 |
| Shenandoah, TX | 2,955 | 272 | 9,642 | 9,913 |
| Edgewood, FL | 2,955 | 265 | 2,461 | 2,726 |
| Valley View, PA | 2,956 | 108 | 570 | 678 |
| Wise, VA | 2,954 | 104 | 1,560 | 1,664 |
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