Essex County Crime & Safety

Essex County, Virginia

Safety Score

39/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1386.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

301.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1084.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

39/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#65

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Essex County, Virginia

Essex County Maintains Above-Average Safety

Essex County earns a safety score of 97.8, making it safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 1,386.5 per 100,000 is roughly 42% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a relatively low-risk environment for its residents.

Outperforming the Virginia State Average

Essex County’s total crime rate of 1,386.5 is comfortably below the Virginia average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.8 also edges out the state's average score of 97.3. These statistics place Essex among the more secure counties in the Commonwealth.

A Secure Profile in the Region

Essex County's crime rate of 1,386.5 per 100,000 is lower than the rates seen in many Virginia cities. With three reporting agencies providing data, the county shows a consistent track record of safety. It offers a quieter alternative to more densely populated areas nearby.

Reviewing Violent and Property Crime Data

Violent crime in Essex stands at 301.8 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is reported at 1,084.7, nearly half the national rate of 2,015.7. Residents experience fewer than 1,400 total crimes per 100,000 people annually.

Keeping Essex County Secure

With a property crime rate of 1,084.7, basic home security still provides significant peace of mind. Ensure all sheds and outbuildings are properly locked to prevent equipment theft. Community vigilance helps maintain the county’s strong safety score of 97.8.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Essex County, VA?

Essex County has a total crime rate of 1386.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (301.8 per 100K) and property crimes (1084.7 per 100K).

Is Essex County, VA safe?

Essex County has a safety score of 39/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #65 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Essex County crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Essex County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Essex County?

Crime data for Essex County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Essex County safer than the Virginia average?

Essex County has a safety score of 39/100, which is above the Virginia average of 39/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.