Waynesboro, MS Crime Rate & Safety

Waynesboro, MS has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 287% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 71 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 13 chance for property crime. Waynesboro has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Waynesboro has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Waynesboro is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Waynesboro is 1,411.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 271% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 71 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 19.9 per 100K (298% above average); aggravated assault at 984.1 per 100K (267% above average); robbery at 276.8 per 100K (275% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Waynesboro is 7,754.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 323% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 13 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 948.7 per 100K (252% above average); larceny/theft at 5,465.5 per 100K (290% above average); vehicle theft at 1,340.4 per 100K (320% above average).

Waynesboro's overall crime rate is 287% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (320% above average), while burglary is 252% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Waynesboro has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to Waynesboro should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 323% 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.

Mississippi as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Waynesboro's crime rate is 287% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Mississippi city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Waynesboro, with an estimated rate of 5,465.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 290% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (7,755 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,412 per 100K) in Waynesboro, which is consistent with national trends.