Is Alexandria or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Alexandria (Safety Score 48/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 2,859 for Alexandria — 39% lower. Alexandria has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Virginia Beach has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alexandria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alexandria, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alexandria | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,859.1 | 1,733.3 | +1,125.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 219.1 | 93.4 | +125.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 2.9 | -1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 7.7 | 18.5 | -10.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 72.8 | 31.6 | +41.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 137.3 | 39.3 | +98.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,640.0 | 1,639.9 | +1,000.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 83.9 | +12.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,301.6 | 1,446.8 | +854.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 242.3 | 109.2 | +133.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 2,859 for Alexandria — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alexandria has a violent crime rate of 219.1 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
About Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia, a historic city across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., boasts cobblestone streets in Old Town and a diverse population. Its waterfront played a vital role in colonial trade and continues to attract visitors. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 155,153, Alexandria has a total crime rate of 2,859.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, is home to the Naval Air Station Oceana, a major employer. Its population of nearly half a million is diverse, with significant military and retiree communities. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.