Virginia — Virginia has achieved the nation’s lowest recidivism rate, reporting that just 17.6 percent of state inmates released in fiscal year 2020 were re-incarcerated within three years. This marks the Commonwealth’s lowest rate in over two decades and places it ahead of all other states in reducing repeat offenses. Minnesota ranks second with a 19 percent rate.
For 12 years running, Virginia has maintained a spot as either the lowest or second-lowest state for recidivism nationwide. The Virginia Department of Corrections credits this milestone to its comprehensive reentry programs and alignment with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together Initiative.
The program focuses on supporting returning citizens through effective supervision and evidence-based services designed to promote successful reintegration and public safety. Recidivism rates are calculated after allowing four years for all court records to be finalized. The department compares these figures with 31 other states that publish similar data. More information about the recidivism report and reentry efforts is available on the VADOC website.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin | Photo: Virginia.gov