Is Chesapeake or Fairfax City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Fairfax City (Safety Score 38/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,432 for Fairfax City — 39% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairfax City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake 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.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairfax City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Fairfax City, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Fairfax City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 3,431.8 | -1,348.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 128.5 | +210.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 0.0 | +4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 11.7 | +11.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 46.7 | -2.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 70.1 | +196.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 3,303.2 | -1,559.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 62.3 | +122.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 3,104.6 | -1,658.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 136.3 | -23.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Fairfax City safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,432 for Fairfax City — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Fairfax City has 128.5. Fairfax City 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 Fairfax City, VA
Fairfax City, a Northern Virginia independent city, boasts a rich colonial history as the site of the first court to repudiate the Stamp Act. It is home to George Mason University, a major public research institution, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 25,672, Fairfax City has a total crime rate of 3,431.8 per 100,000 residents.