Blacksburg, Virginia, a city known for its esteemed public research university, Virginia Tech, boasts a population of around 44,000 people and a thriving, diversified community. While offering various cultural, recreational, and educational possibilities, the city, like any other, faces challenges related to crime and safety.
According to Crime Grade reports, Blacksburg exhibits a higher crime rate than the national average of 131.4, with 187.5 crimes committed per 1,000 residents in a typical year. In this article, we delve into the five neighborhoods deemed the riskiest in Blacksburg, based on information from NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes:
- Downtown Blacksburg: This neighborhood has a notably high property crime rate, including burglary, theft, and vandalism, standing at 1,065 per 1,000 residents—more than five times the national average.
- Virginia Tech Campus: Known for its association with the university, this area records a high rate of violent crimes, especially sexual assault and aggravated assault, with a crime rate of 1,021 per 1,000 residents—more than four times the national average.
- Prices Fork: Featuring a substantial number of property crimes such as burglary, theft, and arson, this neighborhood has a crime rate of 817 per 1,000 residents—more than three times the national average.
- Glade Road: This area experiences a relatively lower rate of violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, with a crime rate of 715 per 1,000 residents—more than twice the national average.
- Tom’s Creek: With a focus on property crimes like theft and vandalism, this neighborhood has a crime rate of 612 per 1,000 residents—more than twice the national average.
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Efforts have been underway by local officials to address and reduce crime in Blacksburg, Virginia:
- Formation of a Task Force: Authorities have established a task force to tackle violent crime, collaborating with the Attorney General’s office and other law enforcement agencies. This task force aims to identify and target the most dangerous criminals and gangs statewide.
- Enhancing Police Resources: To strengthen community policing and information sharing, officials have increased police pay and recruited more officers.
- Implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods 2.0: This program provides federal resources and funding to support local strategies such as group violence intervention, data-driven enforcement, and prevention and reentry services.
- Community Collaboration: Officials have been actively engaging with local organizations and community members to raise awareness and encourage actions that enhance safety in the most at-risk neighborhoods.
While acknowledging the challenges presented by crime rates in certain neighborhoods, it’s essential to recognize that these areas don’t define the entirety of Blacksburg. Many residents live safely and enjoy the city’s offerings. However, by staying informed about high-crime areas, practicing caution, and reporting suspicious activity, residents can contribute to community safety.
Vigilance remains crucial, even in areas with lower crime rates. Through collaborative efforts involving officials, residents, and community organizations, Blacksburg can continue its journey toward becoming an even safer place for everyone. By understanding areas of concern and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing them, the community can work together to ensure a secure future for Blacksburg.