Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke unfortunately, found itself in second place in a recent ranking of the 10 least desirable cities to reside in within the state, only surpassed by Franklin. Even more concerning, Roanoke topped the list as the most dangerous city in Virginia, according to research conducted by the Southwest Journal.
According to the report, Roanoke, with a population of 97,915 as of 2022, experiences a crime rate significantly higher than the average in Virginia — 228% higher, to be precise. This means residents have a 1 in 19 probability of becoming victims of any crime. Data from the previous year reported 36 homicides, 138 thefts, 529 assaults, and 3,007 instances of larceny.
The report revealed that Roanoke had a crime rate of 22,800 per 100,000 people in 2022. Martinsville, with a smaller population of 5,766, was second on the list, displaying a crime rate of 4,203 per 100,000 residents. This figure is 61% above the national average. “There were 166 total crimes in 2022, including 22 violent incidents and 144 property crimes.”
Third on the list was Waynesboro, which has a population of 6,720 and a crime rate of 3,768 per 100,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim in Waynesboro are slightly lower, with odds standing at 1 in 27. In 2022, the town experienced nine assaults, 25 burglaries, 187 larcenies, and 22 auto thefts.
The reasons for Roanoke’s high crime rate can be traced back to several key factors. Primarily, the city has a substantial population of low-income individuals, a high prevalence of drug use, and elevated levels of violence. Property crime and gang activity are also rampant in the city, adding to its high crime statistics.
