Is Chesapeake or Waynesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waynesboro is safer than Chesapeake (Safety Score 48/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100,000 versus 2,084 for Chesapeake — 15% lower. Chesapeake has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chesapeake has a 45% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 10.9x 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
Waynesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Waynesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 1,761.5 | +322.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 245.0 | +94.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 8.5 | -3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 54.9 | -31.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 25.4 | +19.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 156.3 | +110.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,516.5 | +227.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 169.0 | +16.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,161.7 | +284.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 185.9 | -73.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Waynesboro safer?
Waynesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100K vs 2,084 for Chesapeake — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Waynesboro has 245.0. Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro, VA
Waynesboro, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, is a city of around 15,000 residents. It's home to the South River, once a major industrial waterway. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 23,673, Waynesboro has a total crime rate of 1,761.5 per 100,000 residents.