Crime and Pollution in Roanoke

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Roanoke are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 16 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Roanoke.

Crime Data in Roanoke

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Roanoke's crime data illustrates a community navigating safety concerns with moderate levels of crime perception. Although residents feel reasonably safe during the day and night, there are notable worries about drug-related activities and property crimes.

While violent crime concerns are relatively low, issues surrounding property crimes and drug problems persist as primary public safety challenges.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesResidents of Roanoke express significant concern over property crimes, which involve theft and home burglaries. This remains a focal point for those worried about their personal property and neighborhood safety.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related issues are viewed as a major problem in Roanoke, contributing to the public's unease about safety and community well-being. The perception of drug crimes influences the overall feeling of security among residents.
  • Violent CrimesConcerns about violent crimes are less pronounced, with residents generally feeling safer from physical assault and robbery compared to more prolific property crimes.
  • Public SafetyRoanoke residents enjoy a strong sense of safety during daylight hours. However, even during nighttime, public sentiment indicates a comparatively higher level of comfort, reflecting effective community safety measures.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere is a growing perception that crime rates, particularly those related to property and drugs, are increasing. This is a concern that could potentially affect community efforts to maintain and improve public safety.
  • Specific FearsWhile fears surrounding violent crime are minimal, specific anxieties center on property-related offenses and drug activities. Additionally, residents highlight low concerns about racial or religious discrimination impacting safety.
Worldwide
United States

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Crime Rankings

Pollution Data in Roanoke

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Roanoke boasts exceptionally good air quality in 2024, noted for its low pollution levels that significantly contribute to the city's high livability.

Despite urban pressures, the air quality remains commendable, with particulate matter levels posing little threat to health, reaffirming the city's commitment to environmental quality.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)Roanoke's PM2.5 levels are well within safe limits, offering reassurance to vulnerable populations about air-related health risks, thereby supporting the city’s healthy living standards.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)The city maintains PM10 levels that align with low pollution standards, minimizing the impact on residents and enhancing the environmental quality enjoyed by the community.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Garbage disposal is effectively managed in Roanoke, with high satisfaction among residents due to clean and tidy public spaces.

Noise pollution is generally low, though occasional spikes in noise and light disturbances are noted in busier areas.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionResidents express satisfaction regarding garbage collection and waste management services, which support the overall cleanliness and tidiness of the city.
  • Noise and Light PollutionWhile generally low, noise and light disturbances occasionally affect day-to-day living, yet these are minimal compared to other urban environments.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Roanoke’s extensive green spaces are a significant asset, offering residents both recreational opportunities and environmental benefits.

The city enjoys high-quality drinking water, widely accessible and appreciated by the community for its purity and reliability, enhancing Roanoke’s livability.

  • Green and Parks QualityGreen spaces in Roanoke are highly cherished, providing aesthetic beauty and contributing positively to the city's environment and residents’ well-being.
  • Drinking Water QualityRoanoke boasts excellent drinking water quality that is both dependable and clean, further reinforcing its reputation as a healthy place to live.
Worldwide
United States

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Pollution Rankings