Hillsville, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hillsville, 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 Hillsville is 29.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes reported in Hillsville, equivalent to 245 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 33.7%. Additionally, Hillsville recorded 40 property crimes, amounting to 1401 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 28.3%.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Hillsville ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Hillsville, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 70 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 Hillsville?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hillsville residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 0% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hillsville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 100% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Hillsville a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Hillsville is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Hillsville has an overall crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.13 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hillsville as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Hillsville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hillsville. 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 Hillsville has decreased by 6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 250%, while property crime has decreased by 16.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hillsville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hillsville

In Hillsville, 70.6% 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.

In Hillsville, the cost of living is 14.41% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Hillsville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 4.81, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Hillsville crime map