Is Chesapeake or Manassas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Manassas (Safety Score 38/100 vs 36/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 2,180 for Manassas — 4% lower. Chesapeake has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manassas has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 6.0x 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
Manassas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Manassas, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Manassas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 2,180.0 | -96.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 274.2 | +65.1 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 2.3 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 81.3 | -58.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 41.8 | +2.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 148.7 | +117.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,905.7 | -161.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 99.9 | +85.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,643.1 | -196.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 162.7 | -50.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Manassas safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 2,180 for Manassas — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Manassas has 274.2. Manassas 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 Manassas, VA
Manassas, Virginia, a city steeped in Civil War history, is home to a diverse population of over 42,000 residents. Located southwest of Washington D.C., it serves as a regional hub for commerce and transportation. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 43,028, Manassas has a total crime rate of 2,180.0 per 100,000 residents.