Is Hampton or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Hampton (Safety Score 48/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 3,130 for Hampton — 45% lower. Hampton has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Virginia Beach has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 3.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hampton, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hampton | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,129.6 | 1,733.3 | +1,396.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 247.7 | 93.4 | +154.3 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 2.9 | +8.0 |
| Rape Rate | 29.0 | 18.5 | +10.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.5 | 31.6 | +24.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 151.3 | 39.3 | +112.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,882.0 | 1,639.9 | +1,242.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 210.0 | 83.9 | +126.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,433.0 | 1,446.8 | +986.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 239.0 | 109.2 | +129.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 3,130 for Hampton — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hampton has a violent crime rate of 247.7 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
About Hampton, VA
Hampton, Virginia, a coastal city in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, is home to Fort Monroe, a significant site in American history. Its diverse population enjoys waterfront access to the Chesapeake Bay. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 138,100, Hampton has a total crime rate of 3,129.6 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.