Is Colonial Heights or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Colonial Heights (Safety Score 48/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 3,644 for Colonial Heights — 52% lower. Colonial Heights has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Virginia Beach has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 24.5x 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
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colonial Heights, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colonial Heights | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,644.2 | 1,733.3 | +1,910.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.2 | 93.4 | +368.9 |
| Murder Rate | 10.8 | 2.9 | +7.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.9 | 18.5 | +8.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 53.8 | 31.6 | +22.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 370.9 | 39.3 | +331.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,181.9 | 1,639.9 | +1,542.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 161.3 | 83.9 | +77.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,913.2 | 1,446.8 | +1,466.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 107.5 | 109.2 | -1.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colonial Heights or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 3,644 for Colonial Heights — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colonial Heights has a violent crime rate of 462.2 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 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.