Lynchburg, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lynchburg, VA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lynchburg is 21.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lynchburg, there were 284 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 358 per 100,000 individuals, 3.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1955 property crimes, amounting to 2462 per 100,000 residents, 26% higher than the U.S. average.

The violent crime rate in Lynchburg closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 358 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Lynchburg as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Lynchburg ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Lynchburg, there were a total of 8 murders, translating to 10 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 Lynchburg?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Lynchburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 74 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 41% of Lynchburg residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 59% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Lynchburg a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Lynchburg 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, Lynchburg has an overall crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.13 daily occurrences, comprising 0.78 violent crimes and 5.36 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lynchburg as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Lynchburg Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lynchburg. 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 Lynchburg has increased by 12.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 14.5%, while property crime has increased by 18.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lynchburg.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lynchburg

Lynchburg has a population density of 1653.2 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Lynchburg crime rates.

In Lynchburg, the median home price stands at $162,900, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Lynchburg are $859, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Lynchburg crime map