Is Richmond or Roanoke City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richmond is safer than Roanoke City (Safety Score 12/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100,000 versus 4,676 for Roanoke City — 25% lower. Richmond has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Roanoke City has a 53% 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.
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Roanoke City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
Roanoke City, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | Roanoke City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 4,676.0 | -1,159.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 620.5 | -283.5 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 11.3 | +12.8 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 86.6 | -68.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 92.8 | +1.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 429.8 | -230.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 4,055.6 | -876.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 387.5 | -122.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 3,273.3 | -886.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 394.7 | +132.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Roanoke City safer?
Richmond is safer with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100K vs 4,676 for Roanoke City — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Roanoke City has 620.5. Richmond has lower violent crime.
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.
About Roanoke City, VA
Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known as the "Star City" for its illuminated mountain star. This independent city serves as a regional hub for southwest Virginia, with a diverse population of around 100,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,027, Roanoke City has a total crime rate of 4,676.0 per 100,000 residents.