Nelson County Crime & Safety

Nelson County, Virginia

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1475.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

169.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1306.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#72

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Nelson County, Virginia

Nelson County Outpaces National Safety Standards

Nelson County earns an impressive safety score of 97.7, placing it well ahead of many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,475.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Commonwealth

Nelson's safety score exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3, marking it as a secure choice within the state. The county's crime rate of 1,475.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Nelson to Virginia's Average

While neighboring areas vary, Nelson remains a standout with a total crime rate roughly 15% below the Virginia state average. This low density of incidents contributes to a high quality of life for its residents.

Property Incidents Define the Local Landscape

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, occurring at a rate of 1,306.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is notably rare, with a rate of 169.2 that is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Staying Proactive in a Safe Community

Even in high-safety areas like Nelson, simple home security measures can deter opportunistic property crimes. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras helps maintain the peace of mind this county is known for.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Nelson County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Nelson County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Nelson County, VA?

Nelson County has a total crime rate of 1475.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (169.2 per 100K) and property crimes (1306.4 per 100K).

Is Nelson County, VA safe?

Nelson County has a safety score of 36/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #72 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Nelson County crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Nelson County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Nelson County?

Crime data for Nelson 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 Nelson County?

Nelson County has a safety score of 36/100, 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.