Is Lynchburg or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lynchburg is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,095 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 40% lower. Lynchburg has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lynchburg has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lynchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lynchburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lynchburg | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,094.9 | 3,516.3 | -1,421.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.2 | 336.9 | +20.3 |
| Murder Rate | 11.2 | 24.2 | -13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 52.3 | 18.6 | +33.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.3 | 94.5 | -57.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 256.4 | 199.7 | +56.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,737.6 | 3,179.4 | -1,441.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.1 | 265.3 | -56.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,267.1 | 2,386.9 | -1,119.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 261.4 | 527.2 | -265.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lynchburg or Richmond safer?
Lynchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,095 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lynchburg has a violent crime rate of 357.2 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Lynchburg, VA
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is a historic city known for its role in the Civil War. It has a population of around 80,000, with a notable presence of higher education institutions. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 80,339, Lynchburg has a total crime rate of 2,094.9 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.