A-
12%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
31%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWise/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime68n/a (estimate)2,3771,7882,119
Murder0n/a0.04.85.0
Rape0n/a0.027.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.033.160.6
Assault2n/a69.9152.2256.1
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)70218359
Burglary1n/a35.0108.7229.2
Theft62n/a2,167.11,315.91,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a104.9145.1258.8
Property crime66n/a (estimate)2,3071,5701,760

Wise crime map

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The Wise crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Wise as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Wise crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Wise crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Wise, VA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Wise crime rate is 12.2% 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 Wise, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 70 per 100,000 individuals, 80.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Wise recorded 66 property crimes, amounting to 2307 per 100,000 residents, 31.1% higher than the U.S. average.

The Wise crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Wise, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

Wise has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 70 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Wise ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Wise showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Wise a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Wise is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Wise has an overall crime rate that is 12% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.19 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.18 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Wise as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Wise Increased Since Last Year?

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 Wise 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 Wise has increased by 70% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 66.7% and property crime has increased by 94.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wise

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Wise crime rates. In Wise, the poverty rate stands at 18.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

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.

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 Wise is $201,750, compared to a national average of $326,622.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Wise crime rates are 12% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Wise are 81% lower than the national average
      • In Wise you have a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Wise is safer than 49% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Wise has increased by 76%

      Wise, VA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Wise (per 100,000 people)

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        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Wise

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wise is 1 in 1431
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Wise is 1 in 44
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Wise is 1 in 43

        Year Over Year Crime In Wise (per 100,000 people)

        Wise police department

        Item Wise Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)148,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.23.23.3
        There are a total of 14 Wise police officers. This results in 4.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.5% greater than the Virginia average and 29.2% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Pound, VA1,005000
        Jenkins, KY1,8850171171
        Whitesburg, KY2,26862308369
        Appalachia, VA1,4521228811,004
        Clintwood, VA1,623761,2841,360
        Big Stone Gap, VA5,4031181,5581,676
        Coeburn, VA1,513652,7112,776
        Wise, VA3,031702,3072,377

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Cutchogue, NY3,03160270329
        Warsaw, NY3,0321999021,102
        Girard, PA3,030102614717
        Hildale, UT3,0302369451,181
        Georgetown, CA3,0291968371,032
        Wise, VA3,031702,3072,377
        Source: The Wise, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.