This blog often talks about specific crimes and criminal defense. However, this often brings up the question of how our crime rate compares to the rest of the nation.

What is Virginia’s crime rate?

In 2019, there were nearly 160,000 crimes reported in our state. This means that, adjusted for our population, the crime rate was 1,851 crimes per 100,000 residents. This per 100,000 residents measurement is the national standard.

How does that compare nationally?

Virginia is ranked 13 and has historically been known for its low crime rate. Compared to our 1,851 crimes per 100,000 residents, the national crime rate is 2,489 per 100,000 residents, which is 35% higher than Virginia’s crime rate. This is a stark difference from New Mexico (the state with the highest crime rate) at nearly 4,000 and lowest at 1,361 (Maine). Indeed, over the last 60 years, our state has consistently been among the top 10 lowest crime rate states.

What about Warrenton’s crime rate?

In 2019, in Warrenton, Virginia, there were only 123 crimes reported. Adjusted for the 100,000-resident statistic, this gives our city an annual crime rate of 1,233 incidents for every 100,000 people. This is by far lower than most other U.S. cities. In fact, our city has a 33% lower crime rate than Virginia. Though, it is higher than Fauquier County generally, which has 662 per 100,000 residents.

Charged with a crime?

Of course, while these numbers are low, this does not mean that people are not being charged. Every day, Virginians, including those in Warrenton, face criminal charges, and it is imperative to begin planning a criminal defense immediately to avoid becoming another statistic.