Hampton, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hampton, 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 Hampton crime rate is higher than the national average by 36.7%. Specifically, there were 375 violent crimes in Hampton, equivalent to 270 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 27%. Furthermore, Hampton recorded 4035 property crimes, amounting to 2906 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 48.7%.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Hampton ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Hampton, there were a total of 21 murders, translating to 15 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 Hampton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Hampton? Well, based on a recent survey of 86 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Hampton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Hampton a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hampton 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 Hampton crime rate is 37% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 12.08 crimes per day - 1.03 violent crimes and 11.05 property crimes.

Has Crime in Hampton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Hampton has increased by 15.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Hampton, 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 1.8%, while property crime has increased by 17.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Hampton is a safe place to live.

Hampton Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 10 different neighborhoods in the Hampton area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Hampton include Foxhill, Northampton and Magruder Area. While Downtown, Greater Wythe and Mercury Central have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hampton

Hampton has a poverty rate of 15.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Hampton, 85% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Hampton has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.73 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Hampton crime map