B-
24%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
49%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
38%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePennington Gap/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime46n/a (estimate)2,8841,9302,324
Murder0n/a0.07.36.3
Rape0n/a0.030.240.0
Robbery0n/a0.038.466.1
Assault3n/a188.1158.1268.2
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)188234370
Burglary5n/a313.5124.6269.8
Theft38n/a2,382.41,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0160.7282.7
Property crime43n/a (estimate)2,6961,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Pennington Gap, VA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Pennington Gap is 24.1% 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 Pennington Gap, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 188 per 100,000 individuals, 49.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 43 property crimes, amounting to 2696 per 100,000 residents, 37.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Pennington Gap showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Pennington Gap was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Pennington Gap a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Pennington Gap, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Pennington Gap presents a total crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Pennington Gap experiences an average of 0.13 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.12 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Pennington Gap Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Pennington Gap. 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 Pennington Gap has increased by 18%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Pennington Gap.

Potential Causes for Crime in Pennington Gap

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 Pennington Gap 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. Pennington Gap has an unemployment rate of 9.5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Pennington Gap crime rates. The population density in Pennington Gap is 1385 people per square mile, while the national average is 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 Pennington Gap, 55% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Pennington Gap crime map



The Pennington Gap crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Pennington Gap as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Pennington Gap crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Pennington Gap crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Pennington Gap, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Pennington Gap crime rates are 24% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Pennington Gap are 49% lower than the national average
      • In Pennington Gap you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Pennington Gap is safer than 40% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Pennington Gap has increased by 27%

      Pennington Gap, VA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Pennington Gap (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Pennington Gap (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Pennington Gap

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Pennington Gap is 1 in 532
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Pennington Gap is 1 in 38
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Pennington Gap is 1 in 35

        Year Over Year Crime In Pennington Gap (per 100,000 people)

        Pennington Gap police department

        Item Pennington Gap Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)68,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.23.23.3
        There are a total of 6 Pennington Gap police officers. This results in 3.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 0.4% greater than the Virginia average and 0.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Jonesville, VA1,3550696696
        Evarts, KY7010824824
        Dryden, VA8911279191,046
        Appalachia, VA1,4001319521,084
        Sneedville, TN1,5993311,2261,558
        Big Stone Gap, VA5,2091551,7851,940
        Lynch, KY5362871,9452,232
        Pennington Gap, VA2,3101882,6962,884

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Quitman, TX2,3104999148
        Arroyo Seco, NM2,3114081,5621,970
        Boles Acres, NM2,3113121,1921,504
        Ashville, AL2,3092101,3051,515
        Zwolle, LA2,3123841,6762,060
        Pennington Gap, VA2,3101882,6962,884
        Source: The Pennington Gap, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.