Is Staunton or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Staunton is safer than Virginia Beach (Safety Score 51/100 vs 48/100), with a total crime rate of 1,648 per 100,000 versus 1,733 for Virginia Beach — 5% lower. Staunton has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Staunton has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 17.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Staunton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Staunton, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Staunton | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,648.1 | 1,733.3 | -85.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 141.5 | 93.4 | +48.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 2.9 | +4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 49.7 | 18.5 | +31.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.7 | 31.6 | -24.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 39.3 | +37.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,506.6 | 1,639.9 | -133.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 103.3 | 83.9 | +19.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,315.4 | 1,446.8 | -131.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.0 | 109.2 | -21.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Staunton or Virginia Beach safer?
Staunton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,648 per 100K vs 1,733 for Virginia Beach — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Staunton has a violent crime rate of 141.5 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
About Staunton, VA
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a historic city known for its vibrant downtown featuring the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse. Its diverse population enjoys a rich cultural scene and picturesque mountain views. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 26,151, Staunton has a total crime rate of 1,648.1 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.