Is Chesapeake or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Chesapeake (Safety Score 48/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 2,084 for Chesapeake — 17% lower. Chesapeake has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Virginia Beach has a 72% lower rate.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 1,733.3 | +350.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 93.4 | +246.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 2.9 | +1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 18.5 | +4.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 31.6 | +13.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 39.3 | +227.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,639.9 | +104.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 83.9 | +101.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,446.8 | -0.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 109.2 | +3.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 2,084 for Chesapeake — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, is home to the Naval Air Station Oceana, a major employer. Its population of nearly half a million is diverse, with significant military and retiree communities. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.