Is Staunton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Staunton, Virginia, sits tucked in the Shenandoah Valley with a wealth of outdoor wonders surrounding it.

From Shenandoah National Park’s famous Skyline Drive to the scenic road that slices through the Allegheny Mountains to the most visited National Park property along the Blue Ridge Parkway, exploring is literally part of Staunton’s nature.

Founded in 1747, Staunton holds a special place in American history as the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.

The downtown area holds some of the best Victorian architectural masterpieces in America.

The historical town balances bygone eras with modern amenities.

Rows of antique stores hold treasures to be discovered while the art vibes showcase murals, sculptures, and pottery that earned the city the nickname “Pot Town.”

I love how Virginia brings history to life at places like the Frontier Culture Museum, creating an interactive walk through time with period costume actors and showing how life was lived in the 1600s and 1700s.

Plus, being located in a valley means wineries, farms, and orchards to visit before you decide which mountain to tackle on any given day.

Warnings & Dangers in Staunton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Staunton with plenty of things to do in safe places and an embarrassment of natural riches on all four sides.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The region has a robust public transportation system. The Virginia Breeze from D.C. to Blacksburg goes through Staunton. The BRITE Bus system can take you around Shenandoah Valley. Staunton’s trolley wraps around downtown and the historical sites in town. Taxis and rideshares are available, and rental cars are a great way to explore the park and mountains.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About three pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year, according to the last six years of crime data. The risk is low, but you should still use safety measures to protect your belongings. Only carry what you need and limit valuables.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Staunton faces a medium natural disaster risk, including severe weather events like thunderstorms, flooding, winter storms, and occasional tornadoes. The city is also susceptible to flash floods due to its topography. Since the town is at the bottom of a valley, the roads in the surrounding mountains can be closed off due to snow storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Staunton only has about 1-2 muggings a year, with no more than a dozen robberies in a given year. The risk is low, but keep it that way by avoiding unknown areas after dark and sticking to entertainment districts at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Staunton has low terrorism concerns but remains vigilant through local law enforcement and community awareness. The remote nature of the town protects it from the greater terrorism risks, but mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere. You can help simply by reporting suspicious activity to the local police.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. Due to a wide range of scams reported in Shenandoah Valley, I am giving this a medium risk in the hopes it will prompt you to research common scam tactics. There’s a great article overview on the WHSV website with the title “Phishing and scam reports in the Shenandoah Valley.”

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk is low for female travelers, and it applies to all generations. The only safety concern for solo travelers is going into nature without telling someone when you’ll be back. If you’re taking the Appalachian Trail and want to stay in Staunton, please note that it is 16 miles from Rockfish Gap.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Staunton

Two websites are ideal for trips to this region.

First, there’s VisitStaunton.com, which covers the town’s attractions.

Then, there’s VisitShenandoah.org, covering the Shenandoah Valley.

Starting in town, there are several museums to consider.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.

Visitors can explore his birthplace, personal artifacts, and exhibits.

As mentioned earlier, the Frontier Culture Museum is an open-air living history museum that illustrates the daily lives of early immigrants to America.

It features authentic, recreated farmsteads from different cultures and periods, including English, Irish, German, and African American.

The Camera Heritage Museum is the largest of its kind, with a collection of more than 7,000 cameras.

The exhibits span the history of photography, providing a unique perspective on the technological advancements in the field. Get a preview of the collection on Facebook @CameraHeritageMuseum.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art features rotating exhibits of local history and art.

It also includes the Augusta County Historical Society.

The Blackfriars Playhouse at the American Shakespeare Center offers tours that provide insights into Elizabethan theater, the history of Shakespearean performance, and the construction of the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.

Staunton has a great local park system, with Gypsy Hill Park one of the most popular.

It covers more than 200 acres and has walking trails, a pond, various playgrounds, and a summer bandstand.

Betsy Bell Park is the best local park for scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The Virginia Scenic Railway is based in Staunton, with routes that go either to the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Allegheny Mountains.

You should know that Santa takes over the train schedule from Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas.

Downtown Staunton has almost 400 businesses, shops, and restaurants to consider, all tucked into the Victorian architecture from the town’s early days.

More information is available at stauntondowntown.org.

Places to Avoid in Staunton

Staunton doesn’t have bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.

While Gypsy Hill’s neighborhood is one of the most popular among locals, you shouldn’t have concerns about staying near downtown.

In fact, the bed and breakfasts and historic inns make a great way to immerse in the culture here.

I would avoid the chain hotels nearby if you can get a spot at one of the local places.

You’re going to read about all the “secret tunnels” and caves in and around Staunton.

Don’t go looking for them.

There are several caves with guided tours within an hour of town.

Stick to those as unsanctioned caves are unsafe for many reasons, not to mention they are teeming with rats.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Staunton

So... How Safe Is Staunton Really?

Staunton is an example of a city that helps Virginia rank as one of the top 10 safest in the nation.

The violent crime rate is 27% lower than the state average and 57% lower than the national average as of 2023.

When we look back at five years of crime data, those rates go even lower for tourists, since just 6% of violent crimes happen against strangers.

The theft rate is about 7% lower than the national average in Saunton, with 41% falling into the “All Other Larceny” category.

That category includes things like thefts of construction equipment, items from a yard, or thefts at campsites.

About one theft a week is connected to car break-ins, which is a risk that is easy to lower simply by locking your car and removing personal items from plain sight.

The city has created some signs encouraging visitors and residents to avoid panhandlers and asking them to donate to non-profits instead.

In my experience, that’s a sign of a rather safe city since higher-crime areas will focus more on crime prevention than the safety of panhandlers.

In the end, common sense and basic personal safety steps will go a long way toward enjoying your time in Staunton, Virginia.

How Does Staunton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Staunton gets the average four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Fall is brilliant, with mild temperatures and stunning foliage displays. Spring brings wildflowers and robust waterfalls. Wear bug spray and bring comfortable walking and hiking shoes.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Staunton is Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD), located approximately 15 miles northeast of Staunton in Weyers Cave, VA. Flights from SHD only go to Charlotte, but that’s a major hub with direct flights to hundreds of locations. You can also choose to fly out of Washington, D.C. (Dulles) if you don’t mind a two-hour drive.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. Consider travel adventure insurance if you plan to go backpacking, rock climbing, or take part in other risky activities.

Staunton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City