Is Bristol or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 13/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,463 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 2% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 13.8x 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
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,463.5 | 3,516.3 | -52.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.2 | 336.9 | +98.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 24.2 | -24.2 |
| Rape Rate | 95.4 | 18.6 | +76.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 94.5 | -58.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 304.0 | 199.7 | +104.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,028.3 | 3,179.4 | -151.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 292.1 | 265.3 | +26.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,563.3 | 2,386.9 | +176.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.9 | 527.2 | -354.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Richmond safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 3,463 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 435.2 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 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 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.