Big Stone Gap, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Big Stone Gap, VA

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 Big Stone Gap crime rate is lower than the national average by 16.5%. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes in Big Stone Gap, equivalent to 155 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 58%. Furthermore, Big Stone Gap recorded 92 property crimes, amounting to 1785 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 8.7%.

In the latest reported crime year, Big Stone Gap recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Big Stone Gap has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1785 property crimes in Big Stone Gap, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

Is Big Stone Gap a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Big Stone Gap, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Big Stone Gap presents a total crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Big Stone Gap experiences an average of 0.27 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.25 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 Big Stone Gap Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Big Stone Gap. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Big Stone Gap has increased by 35.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 166.7%, while property crimes have increased by 29.6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Big Stone Gap

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Big Stone Gap crime rate. The poverty level in Big Stone Gap is 30.1%, while the national average is 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 Big Stone Gap, 65.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Big Stone Gap, the cost of living is 14.23% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Big Stone Gap crime map