Is Newport News or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newport News is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 17/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,152 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 10% lower. Newport News has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Richmond has a 54% lower rate.
Newport News — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newport News, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newport News | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,152.1 | 3,516.3 | -364.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.0 | 336.9 | +399.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 24.2 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 28.9 | 18.6 | +10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.0 | 94.5 | -9.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 610.1 | 199.7 | +410.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,416.1 | 3,179.4 | -763.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 221.7 | 265.3 | -43.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,908.9 | 2,386.9 | -478.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 285.5 | 527.2 | -241.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newport News or Richmond safer?
Newport News is safer with a total crime rate of 3,152 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newport News has a violent crime rate of 736.0 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Newport News, VA
Newport News, a shipbuilding hub with a deepwater port on the James River, is home to a diverse population. Its economy has long been shaped by military installations and maritime industries, influencing its cultural landscape. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 183,563, Newport News has a total crime rate of 3,152.1 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.