Is Blacksburg or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than New York City (Safety Score 82/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 74% 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: New York City is 181.5x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 3,039.7 | -2,248.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 671.4 | -594.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 23.4 | +18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 187.5 | -185.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 456.2 | -423.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 2,368.3 | -1,653.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 154.7 | -87.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 2,015.0 | -1,391.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 198.5 | -174.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or New York City safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.