Is Virginia Beach or Winchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Winchester (Safety Score 48/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 2,567 for Winchester — 32% lower. Virginia Beach has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Winchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 16.4x 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
Winchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach, VA
Winchester, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Virginia Beach | Winchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,733.3 | 2,566.8 | -833.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 93.4 | 238.3 | -144.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.9 | 0.0 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 18.5 | 119.1 | -100.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 31.6 | 36.1 | -4.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.3 | 83.0 | -43.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,639.9 | 2,328.5 | -688.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 83.9 | 202.2 | -118.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.8 | 2,028.9 | -582.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 97.5 | +11.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Beach or Winchester safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 2,567 for Winchester — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Virginia Beach has a violent crime rate of 93.4 per 100K while Winchester has 238.3. 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 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.