Staunton city Crime & Safety

Staunton city, Virginia

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2044.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

140.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1903.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#98

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Staunton city, Virginia

Staunton maintains safety despite urban profile

Staunton reports a total crime rate of 2,044.5 per 100,000 residents, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. The city holds a safety score of 96.8 out of 100. While higher than some rural neighbors, Staunton is statistically safer than many similar-sized cities nationwide.

Measuring Staunton against Virginia averages

Staunton’s safety score of 96.8 is slightly lower than the Virginia state average of 97.3. However, its violent crime rate of 140.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 229.7. Most reported crime in the city consists of non-violent incidents.

Understanding local reporting data

Staunton's crime data comes from a single reporting agency, which means local figures are highly concentrated. Its total crime rate of 2,044.5 is higher than nearby Smyth County’s 1,399.4. This difference often reflects the higher density and commercial activity typical of independent cities compared to rural counties.

Property crime drives local statistics

Violent crime in Staunton is very low at 140.7 per 100,000, while property crime is much higher at 1,903.8. This property crime rate is nearly on par with the national average of 2,015.7. Residents are far more likely to experience theft or vandalism than any form of physical harm.

Deterring property crime in Staunton

Because property crime accounts for over 93% of Staunton's reports, home and vehicle security are paramount. Simple habits like locking car doors and using exterior lighting can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Engaging with local law enforcement programs helps keep the city’s safety score stable.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Staunton city. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Staunton city residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Staunton city, VA?

Staunton city has a total crime rate of 2044.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (140.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1903.8 per 100K).

Is Staunton city, VA safe?

Staunton city has a safety score of 21/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #98 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Staunton city crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Staunton city?

How is crime data measured and reported for Staunton city?

Crime data for Staunton city 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 Staunton city?

Staunton city has a safety score of 21/100, 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.