Roanoke County Crime & Safety

Roanoke County, Virginia

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1577.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

264.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1312.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#79

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Roanoke County, Virginia

County Safety Exceeds National Benchmarks

Roanoke County reports a total crime rate of 1577.8 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 97.5.

County Ranks High for State Safety

The county's safety score of 97.5 slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. It stands as a secure jurisdiction within the Commonwealth's public safety landscape.

Safer Than Nearby Urban Centers

The county is much safer than neighboring Roanoke city, which has a crime rate over three times higher. While the city faces 4886.4 incidents per 100K, the county maintains a much lower 1577.8.

Low Risk of Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 264.9 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 1312.9 incidents. These numbers show that public safety efforts effectively keep both categories below national benchmarks.

Vigilance Enhances County Security

Even in safe areas, property crime remains the primary concern for residents. Investing in basic home security systems provides peace of mind and further lowers the risk of burglary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Roanoke County, VA?

Roanoke County has a total crime rate of 1577.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (264.9 per 100K) and property crimes (1312.9 per 100K).

Is Roanoke County, VA safe?

Roanoke County has a safety score of 33/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #79 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Roanoke County crime compare to the Virginia average?

The county's safety score of 97.5 slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. It stands as a secure jurisdiction within the Commonwealth's public safety landscape.

What types of crime are most common in Roanoke County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Roanoke County?

Crime data for Roanoke 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 Roanoke County?

Roanoke County has a safety score of 33/100, 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.