Is Richmond or Winchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Winchester is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 27/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,567 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 27% lower. Richmond has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Winchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 8.4x 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
Winchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | Winchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 2,566.8 | +949.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 238.3 | +98.7 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 0.0 | +24.2 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 119.1 | -100.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 36.1 | +58.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 83.0 | +116.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 2,328.5 | +850.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 202.2 | +63.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 2,028.9 | +358.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 97.5 | +429.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Winchester safer?
Winchester is safer with a total crime rate of 2,567 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Winchester has 238.3. Winchester 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 Winchester, VA
Winchester, a city in the Shenandoah Valley, boasts a rich Civil War history as a frequently contested site. Its population is approximately 28,000, reflecting a mix of urban and rural influences. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 27,700, Winchester has a total crime rate of 2,566.8 per 100,000 residents.