Is Radford or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Radford is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 70/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 68% lower. Radford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Radford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 13.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Radford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Radford, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Radford | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,115.0 | 3,516.3 | -2,401.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 212.7 | 336.9 | -124.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 24.2 | -24.2 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 18.6 | +38.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 94.5 | -83.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 143.7 | 199.7 | -56.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 902.4 | 3,179.4 | -2,277.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 97.7 | 265.3 | -167.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 798.9 | 2,386.9 | -1,588.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 5.8 | 527.2 | -521.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radford or Richmond safer?
Radford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Radford has a violent crime rate of 212.7 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Radford has lower violent crime.
About Radford, VA
Radford, home to Radford University, is a city in the New River Valley. Its population is around 18,000, with a significant student presence. The city was once a major railway center. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 17,399, Radford has a total crime rate of 1,115.0 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.