Is Radford or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Radford is safer than Virginia Beach (Safety Score 70/100 vs 48/100), with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100,000 versus 1,733 for Virginia Beach — 36% lower. Radford has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Radford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 26.2x 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
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Radford, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Radford | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,115.0 | 1,733.3 | -618.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 212.7 | 93.4 | +119.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.9 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 18.5 | +39.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 31.6 | -20.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 143.7 | 39.3 | +104.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 902.4 | 1,639.9 | -737.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 97.7 | 83.9 | +13.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 798.9 | 1,446.8 | -647.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 5.8 | 109.2 | -103.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radford or Virginia Beach safer?
Radford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100K vs 1,733 for Virginia Beach — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Radford has a violent crime rate of 212.7 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 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.