Abingdon, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Abingdon, VA

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 Abingdon is 25.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes reported in Abingdon, equivalent to 194 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 47.7%. Additionally, Abingdon recorded 127 property crimes, amounting to 1537 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 21.4%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Abingdon registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Abingdon?

AreaVibes surveyed 13 local residents in Abingdon to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 69% of people answered that there was very little crime in Abingdon and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 31% 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.

Is Abingdon a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Abingdon, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Abingdon presents a total crime rate that is 26% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Abingdon experiences an average of 0.39 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.35 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Abingdon Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Abingdon. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Abingdon has increased by 11.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 128.6%, while property crime has increased by 5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Abingdon.

Potential Causes for Crime in Abingdon

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Abingdon, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Abingdon crime rates. The population density in Abingdon is 986.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Abingdon, the cost of living is 9.32% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Abingdon crime map