Is Leesburg or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Leesburg is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 46/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,830 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 48% lower. Leesburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Leesburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 4.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Leesburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Leesburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Leesburg | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,829.7 | 3,516.3 | -1,686.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 255.9 | 336.9 | -81.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 24.2 | -24.2 |
| Rape Rate | 32.2 | 18.6 | +13.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.3 | 94.5 | -60.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.4 | 199.7 | -10.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,573.8 | 3,179.4 | -1,605.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 76.6 | 265.3 | -188.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,440.8 | 2,386.9 | -946.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.4 | 527.2 | -470.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leesburg or Richmond safer?
Leesburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,830 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Leesburg has a violent crime rate of 255.9 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Leesburg has lower violent crime.
About Leesburg, VA
Leesburg, Virginia, the county seat of Loudoun County, boasts a rich history dating to 1758 and served as a strategic location during the Civil War. Situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it has experienced significant population growth in recent decades, drawing residents to its blend of historic charm and suburban amenities. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 49,626, Leesburg has a total crime rate of 1,829.7 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.