Roanoke, Virginia, is a city with around 99,000 people in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for cool places like the Taubman Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the Mill Mountain Star.
But, like any city, Roanoke has crime issues. Some parts of Roanoke have more crime than others, so people living there or visiting should be careful.
Here are the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Roanoke, based on crime data from NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Melrose-Rugby | 113 |
| Loudon-Melrose | 98 |
| Gainsboro | 87 |
| Belmont | 82 |
| Downtown | 78 |
- Melrose-Rugby, situated in the northwest part of the city, has a crime rate of 112.77 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 99% of neighborhoods in the U.S. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Melrose-Rugby is 1 in 9, and the chances of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 10.
- Loudon-Melrose, located in the northeast part of the city, has a crime rate of 97.97 per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of U.S. neighborhoods. The probability of being a victim of violent crime in Loudon-Melrose is 1 in 10, and the chances of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 11.
- Gainsboro, found in the central part of the city, has a crime rate of 86.63 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of U.S. neighborhoods. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Gainsboro is 1 in 11, and the chances of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 12.
- Belmont, located in the southeast part of the city, has a crime rate of 82.01 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of U.S. neighborhoods. The probability of being a victim of violent crime in Belmont is 1 in 12, and the chances of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 13.
- Downtown, situated in the heart of the city, has a crime rate of 77.54 per 1,000 residents, higher than 95% of U.S. neighborhoods. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Downtown is 1 in 13, and the chances of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 14.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Richmond County, Virginia
Authorities’ Initiatives to Combat Crime in These Neighborhoods
Several official initiatives are underway to decrease crime in Roanoke, Virginia neighborhoods, especially those affected by gun violence and gang activity. Some of these efforts include:
1. Roanoke C.A.R.E.: This is a collaboration involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to better investigate and prosecute crimes. The goal is to reduce shootings, violent crimes, and gang activity.
Additionally, they aim to educate both schools and the broader community about the dangers of gun violence and gang life. Roanoke C.A.R.E. is part of the Western District of Virginia’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a proven program for reducing violent crime.
You can find more information about Roanoke C.A.R.E. in this press release from the United States Department of Justice.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia
2. New Police Chief: Scott Booth took office as the new Roanoke Police Chief in October 2023. He is determined to decrease crime in the city, which has experienced the highest number of homicides in decades.
Booth, who successfully reduced violent crime during his tenure as chief in Danville, plans to focus on boosting morale and communication within the police department. Additionally, he aims to engage with the community and ensure offenders are held accountable.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Alexandria, Virginia
To Conclude
The advantages of Roanoke far exceed the disadvantages, and the city is not without hope. Rich in history and culture, Roanoke boasts a diverse and energetic population in a stunning natural setting.
Additionally, Roanoke boasts a committed police department that puts out a lot of effort to deter and solve crimes, as well as a welcoming community of civic and social groups that aim to raise everyone’s standard of living. Roanoke is a city that works hard to fulfill its potential and overcome its obstacles.
