Is Blacksburg or Chesapeake Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Chesapeake (Safety Score 82/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 2,084 for Chesapeake — 62% lower. Blacksburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Blacksburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 5.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Blacksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Chesapeake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 2,083.6 | -1,292.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 339.4 | -262.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.7 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 23.3 | +18.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 44.7 | -42.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 266.7 | -233.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 1,744.2 | -1,029.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 185.0 | -117.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 1,446.5 | -823.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 112.7 | -88.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Chesapeake safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 2,084 for Chesapeake — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Chesapeake has 339.4. Blacksburg has lower violent crime.
About Blacksburg, VA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg, Virginia, is a college town dominated by Virginia Tech. Its population is approximately 45,000, with students making up a significant portion. The town's vibrant atmosphere is a direct reflection of the university's influence. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 45,734, Blacksburg has a total crime rate of 791.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, a sprawling South Hampton Roads city, incorporates rural and suburban areas. Its numerous waterways, like the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, are integral to its geography. The city was formed in 1963 through a merger of Norfolk County and South Norfolk. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 257,248, Chesapeake has a total crime rate of 2,083.6 per 100,000 residents.