Is Chesapeake or Colonial Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Colonial Heights (Safety Score 38/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,644 for Colonial Heights — 43% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chesapeake has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake 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.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colonial Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Colonial Heights, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Colonial Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 3,644.2 | -1,560.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 462.2 | -122.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 10.8 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 26.9 | -3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 53.8 | -9.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 370.9 | -104.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 3,181.9 | -1,437.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 161.3 | +23.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 2,913.2 | -1,466.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 107.5 | +5.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Colonial Heights safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,644 for Colonial Heights — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Colonial Heights has 462.2. Chesapeake has lower violent crime.
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.
About Colonial Heights, VA
Colonial Heights, an independent city in Virginia, is nestled along the Appomattox River, just south of Petersburg. Historically significant for its role in the Bermuda Hundred Campaign during the Civil War, it remains a smaller community, covering only about 7.5 square miles. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 18,605, Colonial Heights has a total crime rate of 3,644.2 per 100,000 residents.