Is Chesapeake or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 38/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 4,613 for Portsmouth — 55% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chesapeake has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 2.6x 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
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Portsmouth, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 4,613.2 | -2,529.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 752.4 | -413.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 37.1 | -32.4 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 36.0 | -12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 167.8 | -123.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 511.6 | -244.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 3,860.8 | -2,116.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 424.1 | -239.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 2,920.1 | -1,473.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 516.7 | -404.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Portsmouth safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 4,613 for Portsmouth — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Portsmouth has 752.4. 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 Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 per 100,000 residents.