Is Virginia Beach or Waynesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Waynesboro (Safety Score 48/100 vs 48/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 1,762 for Waynesboro — 2% lower. Virginia Beach has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Virginia Beach has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 19.2x 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
Waynesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Virginia Beach | Waynesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,733.3 | 1,761.5 | -28.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 93.4 | 245.0 | -151.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.9 | 8.5 | -5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.5 | 54.9 | -36.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 31.6 | 25.4 | +6.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.3 | 156.3 | -117.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,639.9 | 1,516.5 | +123.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 83.9 | 169.0 | -85.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.8 | 1,161.7 | +285.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 185.9 | -76.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Beach or Waynesboro safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 1,762 for Waynesboro — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Virginia Beach has a violent crime rate of 93.4 per 100K while Waynesboro has 245.0. 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 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.