Is Harrisonburg or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Harrisonburg (Safety Score 48/100 vs 41/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 1,960 for Harrisonburg — 12% lower. Harrisonburg has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harrisonburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 8.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisonburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisonburg, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisonburg | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,960.2 | 1,733.3 | +227.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.2 | 93.4 | +173.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.9 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 56.6 | 18.5 | +38.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.5 | 31.6 | -10.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.2 | 39.3 | +149.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,693.0 | 1,639.9 | +53.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 134.6 | 83.9 | +50.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,472.6 | 1,446.8 | +25.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.8 | 109.2 | -23.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 1,960 for Harrisonburg — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisonburg has a violent crime rate of 267.2 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
About Harrisonburg, VA
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and a vibrant downtown. It boasts a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 51,270, Harrisonburg has a total crime rate of 1,960.2 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.