F
53%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
128%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
39%
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 peopleWaynesboro/100k peopleGeorgia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime198n/a (estimate)3,5512,0582,324
Murder1n/a17.98.26.3
Rape1n/a17.936.440.0
Robbery2n/a35.943.666.1
Assault43n/a771.2278.8268.2
Violent crime47n/a (estimate)843367370
Burglary29n/a520.1217.8269.8
Theft113n/a2,026.51,266.51,401.9
Vehicle theft9n/a161.4206.5282.7
Property crime151n/a (estimate)2,7081,6911,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesboro, GA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Waynesboro crime rate is 52.8% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Waynesboro, there were 47 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 843 per 100,000 individuals, 127.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Waynesboro recorded 151 property crimes, amounting to 2708 per 100,000 residents, 38.6% higher than the U.S. average.

Waynesboro ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 843 per 100,000 people, Waynesboro is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Waynesboro, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Waynesboro ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Waynesboro, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 18 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 Waynesboro?

AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Waynesboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 44% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 56% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Waynesboro a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime rate is 53% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.54 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.41 property crimes.

Has Crime in Waynesboro Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waynesboro has decreased by 13.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waynesboro, 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 increased by 67.9%, while property crime has decreased by 24.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waynesboro is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesboro

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Waynesboro crime rates. Waynesboro registers a population density of 996.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Waynesboro, 77.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Waynesboro is $112,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Waynesboro crime map



The Waynesboro crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Waynesboro 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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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Waynesboro crime rates are 53% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Waynesboro are 128% higher than the national average
      • In Waynesboro you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Waynesboro is safer than 7% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Waynesboro has decreased by 17%

      Waynesboro, GA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Waynesboro (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Waynesboro, GA per 100,000 people. In Waynesboro, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.73 times more than the Georgia average and 1.53 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Waynesboro is 2.30 times more than the Georgia average and 2.28 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Waynesboro has a daily crime rate that is 1.60 times more than the Georgia average and 1.39 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Waynesboro (higher is better)

        Is Waynesboro safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Georgia as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Waynesboro to other cities in the state and across the country, Waynesboro is 11% safer than other cities of Georgia and 7% safer than other cities in the nation. Waynesboro has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Waynesboro

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 119
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 37
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Waynesboro is 1 in 29
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Waynesboro? In Waynesboro, GA you have a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waynesboro.

        Year Over Year Crime In Waynesboro (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Waynesboro is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Waynesboro has increased by 61%, while the property crime rate in Waynesboro has decreased by 28% year over year. The number of total crimes in Waynesboro has decreased by 17% year over year.

        Waynesboro police department

        Item Waynesboro Georgia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3211,364558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.44.03.3
        There are a total of 32 Waynesboro police officers. This results in 5.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 37.7% greater than the Georgia average and 67.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Georgia

        State Total offenders Georgia /100K National /100K
        Georgia23,117275266
        There are a total of 23,117 sex offenders in Georgia. This yields a total of 275 sex offenders in Georgia per 100,000 residents which is 3% 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
        Blythe, GA686000
        Hephzibah, GA3,961262,1442,170
        Vidette, GA2025232,4092,932
        Sardis, GA9785922,7273,319
        Waynesboro, GA5,4538432,7083,551

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Stokesdale, NC5,4511738821,055
        Old Bethpage, NY5,450140560700
        Atlanta, TX5,4582391,4701,709
        Coraopolis, PA5,4482969991,295
        Rockwood, TN5,4467364,6135,349
        Waynesboro, GA5,4538432,7083,551
        Source: The Waynesboro, GA 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.