Is Newport News or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Newport News (Safety Score 48/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 3,152 for Newport News — 45% lower. Newport News has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Virginia Beach has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newport News — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newport News, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newport News | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,152.1 | 1,733.3 | +1,418.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.0 | 93.4 | +642.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 2.9 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 28.9 | 18.5 | +10.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.0 | 31.6 | +53.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 610.1 | 39.3 | +570.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,416.1 | 1,639.9 | +776.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 221.7 | 83.9 | +137.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,908.9 | 1,446.8 | +462.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 285.5 | 109.2 | +176.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newport News or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 3,152 for Newport News — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newport News has a violent crime rate of 736.0 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 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.