Lee County Crime & Safety

Lee County, Virginia

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1507.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

219.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1287.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#75

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lee County, Virginia

Appalachian Safety Remains Strong

Lee County reports a total crime rate of 1,507.6 per 100,000 residents, which stays well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a respectable safety score of 97.6. These figures reflect a community that is statistically safer than many other parts of the country.

Competitive Safety Within Virginia

Lee County's safety score of 97.6 is slightly higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,507.6 also beats the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. For a rural Appalachian county, these metrics demonstrate a resilient standard of public safety.

Regional Comparisons in Southwest Virginia

Lee County's crime rate of 1,507.6 per 100,000 is higher than King William’s 650.1 but remains significantly below the national norm. It shows more reported crime than nearby Louisa at 1,060.2. Local law enforcement manages four reporting agencies to maintain this balance.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The violent crime rate stands at 219.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the Virginia average of 229.7. Property crime is the primary driver of statistics at 1,287.7 per 100,000. This data indicates that the vast majority of residents face very little risk of violent encounters.

Proactive Steps for Property Protection

Since property crime represents the most frequent issue, securing tools and vehicles is essential. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and neighborhood watch programs can reduce theft opportunities. Vigilance is the best tool for maintaining Lee County's secure environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lee County, VA?

Lee County has a total crime rate of 1507.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (219.9 per 100K) and property crimes (1287.7 per 100K).

Is Lee County, VA safe?

Lee County has a safety score of 35/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #75 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Lee County crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Lee County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Lee County?

Crime data for Lee 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.

What is being done about crime in Lee County?

Lee County has a safety score of 35/100, which is below the Virginia average of 39/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.