Is Richmond or Waynesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waynesboro is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 48/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 50% lower. Richmond has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waynesboro has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 9.8x 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
Waynesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | Waynesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 1,761.5 | +1,754.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 245.0 | +91.9 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 8.5 | +15.7 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 54.9 | -36.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 25.4 | +69.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 156.3 | +43.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 1,516.5 | +1,662.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 169.0 | +96.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 1,161.7 | +1,225.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 185.9 | +341.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Waynesboro safer?
Waynesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Waynesboro has 245.0. Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro, VA
Waynesboro, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, is a city of around 15,000 residents. It's home to the South River, once a major industrial waterway. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 23,673, Waynesboro has a total crime rate of 1,761.5 per 100,000 residents.