Is Bristol or Chesapeake Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Bristol (Safety Score 38/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,463 for Bristol — 40% lower. Bristol has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 15.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Chesapeake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,463.5 | 2,083.6 | +1,379.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.2 | 339.4 | +95.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.7 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 95.4 | 23.3 | +72.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 44.7 | -8.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 304.0 | 266.7 | +37.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,028.3 | 1,744.2 | +1,284.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 292.1 | 185.0 | +107.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,563.3 | 1,446.5 | +1,116.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.9 | 112.7 | +60.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Chesapeake safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,463 for Bristol — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 435.2 per 100K while Chesapeake has 339.4. Chesapeake has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, VA
Nestled in Southwest Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, Bristol is a twin city with its Tennessee counterpart, sharing State Street as a unique border. It holds the distinction as the "Birthplace of Country Music," a heritage deeply rooted in its culture. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 16,775, Bristol has a total crime rate of 3,463.5 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.