Danville, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Danville, VA

The Danville crime rates are 51.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 137 violent crimes in Danville (325 per 100,000 people), which is 12% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1345 property crimes (3194 per 100,000 residents) which is 63.4% higher than average.

Danville exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 325 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Danville as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Danville ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Danville, there were a total of 8 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Danville?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Danville residents. Out of the respondents (76 in total), 16% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Danville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 84% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Danville a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Danville 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 Danville crime rate is 51% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.06 crimes per day - 0.38 violent crimes and 3.68 property crimes.

Has Crime in Danville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Danville. 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 Danville has increased by 5.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 14.9%, while property crime has increased by 8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Danville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Danville

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Danville crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Danville has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Danville crime rates. Danville registers a population density of 950.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Danville, 74.1% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Danville crime map