Is Blacksburg or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 82/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 77% 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: Richmond is 5.1x 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
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 3,516.3 | -2,724.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 336.9 | -260.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 24.2 | -24.2 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 18.6 | +23.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 94.5 | -92.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 199.7 | -166.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 3,179.4 | -2,464.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 265.3 | -197.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 2,386.9 | -1,763.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 527.2 | -503.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Richmond safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.