Is Virginia Beach or Warrenton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Warrenton is safer than Virginia Beach (Safety Score 60/100 vs 48/100), with a total crime rate of 1,383 per 100,000 versus 1,733 for Virginia Beach — 20% lower. Virginia Beach has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Warrenton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 44.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Warrenton — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach, VA
Warrenton, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Virginia Beach | Warrenton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,733.3 | 1,383.3 | +349.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 93.4 | 97.4 | -4.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.9 | 0.0 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 18.5 | 0.0 | +18.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 31.6 | 29.2 | +2.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.3 | 68.2 | -28.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,639.9 | 1,285.9 | +354.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 83.9 | 19.5 | +64.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.8 | 1,198.3 | +248.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 68.2 | +41.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Beach or Warrenton safer?
Warrenton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,383 per 100K vs 1,733 for Virginia Beach — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Virginia Beach has a violent crime rate of 93.4 per 100K while Warrenton has 97.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
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.
About Warrenton, VA
Warrenton, the seat of Fauquier County, is a historic town established in 1790. Located in Virginia's Piedmont region, it serves as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 10,265, Warrenton has a total crime rate of 1,383.3 per 100,000 residents.