A small city in the southwest of the state, Blacksburg, Virginia is most recognized for being the location of the esteemed public research university Virginia Tech.
Blacksburg is home to around 44,000 people and is a thriving, diversified community that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational possibilities.
But Blacksburg has its share of problems with crime and safety, just like any other city.Crime Grade reports that Blacksburg has a higher crime rate than the national average of 131.4, with 187.5 crimes committed per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
While there are quiet, calm areas of the city, there are also areas that are more likely to see violent crimes and property crimes. The five most dangerous neighborhoods in Blacksburg, Virginia, will be examined in this article using information from NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes.
The following are Blacksburg, Virginia’s top five riskiest neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Downtown Blacksburg | 1,065 |
| Virginia Tech Campus | 1,021 |
| Prices Fork | 817 |
| Glade Road | 715 |
| Tom’s Creek | 612 |
- Downtown Blacksburg: This neighborhood has a lot of property crimes like burglary, theft, and vandalism. The crime rate here is 1,065 per 1,000 residents, which is more than five times the national average.
- Virginia Tech Campus: This area has a high rate of violent crimes, especially sexual assault and aggravated assault. The crime rate in this area is 1,021 per 1,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average.
- Prices Fork: In this neighborhood, there are many property crimes like burglary, theft, and arson. The crime rate here is 817 per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average.
- Glade Road: This area has a lower rate of violent crimes, like assault and robbery. The crime rate here is 715 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average.
- Tom’s Creek: In this neighborhood, there are a lot of property crimes like theft and vandalism. The crime rate here is 612 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average.
Official’s Efforts to Reduce Crime in Blacksburg, Virginia
Some steps taken by officials to reduce crime in Blacksburg, Virginia include:
1. Forming a task force to tackle violent crime, collaborating with the Attorney General’s office and other law enforcement agencies to identify and target the most dangerous criminals and gangs statewide.
2. Increasing police pay and recruiting more officers to enhance community policing and information sharing.
3. Implementing Project Safe Neighborhoods 2.0, a program that provides federal resources and funding to support local strategies like group violence intervention, data-driven enforcement, and prevention and reentry services.
4. Collaborating with local organizations and community members to raise awareness and encourage actions that enhance the safety and well-being of people in the most at-risk neighborhoods.
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To Conclude
While Blacksburg boasts a vibrant community and esteemed university, its crime rate necessitates awareness and caution. The five neighborhoods highlighted—Downtown Blacksburg, Virginia Tech Campus, Prices Fork, Glade Road, and Tom’s Creek—exhibit higher crime rates than the national average.
Residents can contribute by staying informed about high-crime areas, practicing caution, and reporting suspicious activity. Remember, even in areas with lower crime rates, vigilance is key. By working together, officials, residents, and community organizations can make Blacksburg an even safer place for everyone.
This doesn’t paint the entire picture of Blacksburg, and it’s important to remember that many residents live safely and enjoy the city’s many offerings. However, by acknowledging the areas of concern and the efforts being made to address them, we can all contribute to a safer Blacksburg for the future.
