Williamsburg, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Williamsburg, VA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Williamsburg crime rate is lower than the national average by 24.8%. Specifically, there were 33 violent crimes in Williamsburg, equivalent to 209 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 43.5%. Furthermore, Williamsburg recorded 243 property crimes, amounting to 1539 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 21.3%.

In the latest reported crime year, Williamsburg recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Williamsburg?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Williamsburg. Based on the results of the surveys (43 responses), 79% of people felt that there was very little crime in Williamsburg and felt safe walking alone at night. While 21% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Williamsburg a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg crime rate is 25% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.76 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 0.67 property crimes.

Has Crime in Williamsburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Williamsburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Williamsburg has increased by 13.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 29.8%, while property crimes have increased by 23.4%. 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 Williamsburg

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Williamsburg currently has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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 Williamsburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.81, 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.

In Williamsburg, the average rental rates are $1,153 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Williamsburg crime map