Is Richmond or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 48/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 51% lower. Richmond has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Virginia Beach has a 88% lower rate.
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 1,733.3 | +1,783.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 93.4 | +243.6 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 2.9 | +21.3 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 18.5 | +0.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 31.6 | +62.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 39.3 | +160.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 1,639.9 | +1,539.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 83.9 | +181.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 1,446.8 | +940.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 109.2 | +418.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 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.