Is Lynchburg or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Lynchburg (Safety Score 48/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 2,095 for Lynchburg — 17% lower. Lynchburg has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Virginia Beach has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 5.7x 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
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lynchburg, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lynchburg | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,094.9 | 1,733.3 | +361.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.2 | 93.4 | +263.9 |
| Murder Rate | 11.2 | 2.9 | +8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 52.3 | 18.5 | +33.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.3 | 31.6 | +5.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 256.4 | 39.3 | +217.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,737.6 | 1,639.9 | +97.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.1 | 83.9 | +125.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,267.1 | 1,446.8 | -179.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 261.4 | 109.2 | +152.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lynchburg or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 2,095 for Lynchburg — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lynchburg has a violent crime rate of 357.2 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 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.