Is Portsmouth or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richmond is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 12/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100,000 versus 4,613 for Portsmouth — 24% lower. Portsmouth has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Richmond has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 2.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portsmouth | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,613.2 | 3,516.3 | +1,096.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 752.4 | 336.9 | +415.5 |
| Murder Rate | 37.1 | 24.2 | +12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 36.0 | 18.6 | +17.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.8 | 94.5 | +73.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 511.6 | 199.7 | +311.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,860.8 | 3,179.4 | +681.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 424.1 | 265.3 | +158.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,920.1 | 2,386.9 | +533.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 516.7 | 527.2 | -10.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Richmond safer?
Richmond is safer with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100K vs 4,613 for Portsmouth — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 752.4 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 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.