Is Chesapeake or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 41% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chesapeake has a 81% lower rate.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 3,516.3 | -1,432.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 336.9 | +2.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 24.2 | -19.5 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 18.6 | +4.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 94.5 | -49.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 199.7 | +66.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 3,179.4 | -1,435.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 265.3 | -80.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 2,386.9 | -940.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 527.2 | -414.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Richmond safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.