Is Chesapeake or Santa Ana Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Santa Ana (Safety Score 38/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 2,196 for Santa Ana — 5% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chesapeake has a 58% lower rate.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Ana — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Santa Ana, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 2,195.6 | -112.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 493.4 | -154.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 4.8 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 52.5 | -29.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 106.0 | -61.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 329.7 | -63.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,702.2 | +42.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 225.6 | -40.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,160.5 | +286.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 316.1 | -203.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Santa Ana safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 2,196 for Santa Ana — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Santa Ana has 493.4. 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 Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana, the seat of Orange County, sits along the Santa Ana River. Its historic downtown, including the Yost Theater, reflects its rich past. Over 75% of its diverse population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 310,304, Santa Ana has a total crime rate of 2,195.6 per 100,000 residents.