Old Southwest Neighborhood, Roanoke

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Roanoke

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 166 / 300 High
Violent Crime 159
59% above national avg
Property Crime 169
69% above national avg
City Ranking
31%
safer than other
Roanoke neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Roanoke

Is Old Southwest Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Old Southwest in Roanoke, VA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average of 100. Old Southwest is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.

Compared to the Roanoke average (crime index 118), Old Southwest is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 187, 87% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 128).

Highest Risk
Robbery · Index 187 (87% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 128 (28% above avg)

Old Southwest Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Roanoke city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
178 +78% High
Assault
142 +42% Moderate
Robbery
187 +87% High
Rape
128 +28% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
148 +48% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
186 +86% High
Vehicle Theft
172 +72% High

How Old Southwest Compares

Crime index by category: Old Southwest vs Roanoke average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Old Southwest Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Old Southwest Demographics & Context

Population
2,795
Median Income
$29,211
Home Value
$280,128
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
4,860/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 16.9%
Graduate Degree 20%

Housing

20%
80%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 68.8%
Black 19.3%
Hispanic 6.5%
Asian 3.7%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Downtown Roanoke Index: 113
A-
South Jefferson Index: 170
A-
West End Index: 181
C+
Wasena Index: 96
A
Riverland / Walnut Hill Index: 72
A
Mountain View Index: 181
C+
Gainsboro Index: 157
D+
Gilmer Index: 157
D+
Old Southwest Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Roanoke Crime Statistics
View all Roanoke neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Old Southwest, Roanoke?

Old Southwest in Roanoke, VA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average. Compared to the Roanoke average, crime in Old Southwest is 48% higher. Old Southwest is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.

Is Old Southwest a safe neighborhood in Roanoke?

Old Southwest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Roanoke, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 187), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 128).

How does Old Southwest compare to the rest of Roanoke?

Old Southwest's overall crime index is 166, compared to the Roanoke average of 118. This means crime in Old Southwest is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 159, and for property crime it is 169. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Old Southwest?

The most prevalent crime type in Old Southwest is Robbery, with a crime index of 187 (87% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Old Southwest?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Roanoke, South Jefferson, Wasena and Riverland / Walnut Hill. These areas are close to Old Southwest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Old Southwest?

Old Southwest has a population of approximately 2,795. The median household income is $29,211. The median home value is $280,128. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Old Southwest crime compare to the national average?

Old Southwest's overall crime rate is 66% above the national average (index 166 vs 100). Within Roanoke, it is safer than 31% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.