A
28%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
72%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
20%
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 peopleWise/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime48n/a (estimate)1,6641,9302,324
Murder0n/a0.07.36.3
Rape0n/a0.030.240.0
Robbery1n/a34.738.466.1
Assault2n/a69.3158.1268.2
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)104234370
Burglary4n/a138.7124.6269.8
Theft37n/a1,282.91,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft4n/a138.7160.7282.7
Property crime45n/a (estimate)1,5601,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wise, VA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Wise crime rate is 28.4% lower 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 Wise, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 104 per 100,000 individuals, 71.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Wise recorded 45 property crimes, amounting to 1560 per 100,000 residents, 20.2% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 104 incidents per 100,000 people, Wise boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Wise has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Wise reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Is Wise a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Wise 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 Wise crime rate is 28% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.

Has Crime in Wise Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wise. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wise has increased by 20%. Violent crimes have decreased by 50%, while property crimes have increased by 32.4%. 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 Wise

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wise, 78.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Wise, the cost of living is 12.76% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Wise is $113,800, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Wise crime map



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

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Wise crime rates are 28% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Wise are 72% lower than the national average
      • In Wise you have a 1 in 61 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Wise is safer than 62% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Wise has increased by 19%

      Wise, VA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Wise (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Wise (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Wise

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wise is 1 in 962
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Wise is 1 in 65
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Wise is 1 in 61

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

        Wise police department

        Item Wise Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)148,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.23.23.3
        There are a total of 14 Wise police officers. This results in 4.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.5% greater than the Virginia average and 29.2% greater 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
        Whitesburg, KY2,215000
        Jenkins, KY1,8150108108
        Clintwood, VA1,5631238891,012
        Appalachia, VA1,4001319521,084
        Coeburn, VA1,4721471,0641,211
        Big Stone Gap, VA5,2091551,7851,940
        St. Paul, VA8571191,9092,029
        Wise, VA2,9541041,5601,664

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Edgewood, FL2,9552652,4612,726
        Shenandoah, TX2,9552729,6429,913
        Allendale, SC2,9531,2572,6283,884
        Groveville, NJ2,95381565646
        Greensboro, AL2,956000
        Wise, VA2,9541041,5601,664
        Source: The Wise, 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.