Franklin, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Franklin, 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 Franklin is 56.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes reported in Franklin, equivalent to 519 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 40.2%. Additionally, Franklin recorded 259 property crimes, amounting to 3123 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 59.8%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Franklin has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Franklin, which is 36 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Franklin?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Franklin residents. Out of the respondents (20 in total), 20% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Franklin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 80% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Franklin a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Franklin is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Franklin has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.83 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 0.71 daily property crimes) in Franklin.

Has Crime in Franklin Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Franklin has increased by 2.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Franklin, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 10.4%, while property crime has increased by 5.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Franklin is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Franklin

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 Franklin crime rates. Franklin registers a population density of 968.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 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 Franklin, the cost of living is 2.15% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Franklin, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.38 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Franklin crime map