Staunton, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Staunton, VA

The Staunton crime rates are 13.7% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 36 violent crimes in Staunton (141 per 100,000 people), which is 62% lower than the national average and there were a total of 478 property crimes (1866 per 100,000 residents) which is 4.5% lower than average.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Staunton is very similar to the national average. Staunton had a property crime rate of 1866, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Staunton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Staunton? Well, based on a recent survey of 17 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 65% of Staunton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 35% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Staunton a Safe Place to Live?

Is Staunton a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Staunton has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 14%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.41 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 1.31 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Staunton as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Staunton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Staunton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Staunton has decreased by 7.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 35.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Staunton

In Staunton, the cost of living is 3.36% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Staunton has a median home price of $171,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Staunton, the average monthly rent stands at $864, while the national average is $949 per month.

Staunton crime map