Is Colonial Heights or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richmond is safer than Colonial Heights (Safety Score 12/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100,000 versus 3,644 for Colonial Heights — 4% lower. Colonial Heights has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Colonial Heights has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 12.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colonial Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colonial Heights, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colonial Heights | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,644.2 | 3,516.3 | +127.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.2 | 336.9 | +125.3 |
| Murder Rate | 10.8 | 24.2 | -13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 26.9 | 18.6 | +8.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 53.8 | 94.5 | -40.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 370.9 | 199.7 | +171.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,181.9 | 3,179.4 | +2.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 161.3 | 265.3 | -104.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,913.2 | 2,386.9 | +526.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 107.5 | 527.2 | -419.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colonial Heights or Richmond safer?
Richmond is safer with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100K vs 3,644 for Colonial Heights — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colonial Heights has a violent crime rate of 462.2 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Colonial Heights, VA
Colonial Heights, an independent city in Virginia, is nestled along the Appomattox River, just south of Petersburg. Historically significant for its role in the Bermuda Hundred Campaign during the Civil War, it remains a smaller community, covering only about 7.5 square miles. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 18,605, Colonial Heights has a total crime rate of 3,644.2 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.