Roanoke, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Roanoke, VA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 9% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 234 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Roanoke has higher crime than 72% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Roanoke has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 76% of the city's 49 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Garden City is one of the safest areas, while Harrison has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Roanoke is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Roanoke are Garden City, South Roanoke, Grandin Court, Mill Mountain, and Monterey. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Roanoke include Harrison, Washington Park, Shenandoah West, South Washington Heights, and Hurt Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Roanoke is 427.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 234 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.5 per 100K (11% above average); aggravated assault at 294.9 per 100K (10% above average); robbery at 87.2 per 100K (18% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Roanoke is 2,388.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 30% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 291.3 per 100K (8% above average); larceny/theft at 1,723.9 per 100K (23% above average); vehicle theft at 372.9 per 100K (17% above average).

Roanoke's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (23% above average), while burglary is 8% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Roanoke has higher crime than 72% of them.

Visitors to Roanoke should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 30% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Garden City, South Roanoke, Grandin Court.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Roanoke's crime rate is 9% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Roanoke, with an estimated rate of 1,723.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 23% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,388 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (428 per 100K) in Roanoke, which is consistent with national trends.