Is Chesapeake or Newport News Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Newport News (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,152 for Newport News — 34% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chesapeake has a 61% lower rate.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newport News — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Newport News, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Newport News | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 3,152.1 | -1,068.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 736.0 | -396.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 12.0 | -7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 28.9 | -5.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 85.0 | -40.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 610.1 | -343.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 2,416.1 | -671.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 221.7 | -36.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,908.9 | -462.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 285.5 | -172.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Newport News safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,152 for Newport News — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Newport News has 736.0. 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 Newport News, VA
Newport News, a shipbuilding hub with a deepwater port on the James River, is home to a diverse population. Its economy has long been shaped by military installations and maritime industries, influencing its cultural landscape. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 183,563, Newport News has a total crime rate of 3,152.1 per 100,000 residents.