Is Blacksburg or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Virginia Beach (Safety Score 82/100 vs 49/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 1,733 for Virginia Beach — 54% 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: Virginia Beach is 10.0x 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
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 1,733.3 | -941.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 93.4 | -16.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.9 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 18.5 | +23.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 31.6 | -29.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 39.3 | -6.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 1,639.9 | -924.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 83.9 | -16.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 1,446.8 | -823.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 109.2 | -85.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Virginia Beach safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 1,733 for Virginia Beach — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. 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 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 49/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.