Virginia's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking Virginia's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Virginia. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Virginia is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Virginia. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Virginia.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Virginia with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Virginia. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Hampton

County: Hampton

2,623

Crime per 100,000 population

+30.97%

vs. Virginia average

-9.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hampton from 2012 to 2022

Hampton is an area in Hampton, Virginia with population of 136,748. The total crime rate in Hampton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hampton Police Department (VA1110000). Hampton total crime rate is 2,623 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hampton

#24 Roanoke

County: Roanoke

2,754

Crime per 100,000 population

+37.51%

vs. Virginia average

-5.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Roanoke from 2012 to 2022

Roanoke is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 215,781. The total crime rate in Roanoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Roanoke total crime rate is 2,754 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Roanoke

#23 Hollins

County: Roanoke

2,754

Crime per 100,000 population

+37.51%

vs. Virginia average

-5.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hollins from 2012 to 2022

Hollins is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 15,857. The total crime rate in Hollins is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Hollins total crime rate is 2,754 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hollins

#22 Cave Spring

County: Roanoke

2,754

Crime per 100,000 population

+37.51%

vs. Virginia average

-5.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Cave Spring from 2012 to 2022

Cave Spring is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 25,248. The total crime rate in Cave Spring is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Cave Spring total crime rate is 2,754 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cave Spring

#21 Norfolk

County: Norfolk

2,930

Crime per 100,000 population

+46.26%

vs. Virginia average

+0.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Norfolk from 2012 to 2022

Norfolk is an area in Norfolk, Virginia with population of 238,556. The total crime rate in Norfolk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Norfolk Police Department (VA1170000). Norfolk total crime rate is 2,930 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Norfolk

#20 Bedford

County: Bedford

3,045

Crime per 100,000 population

+52.03%

vs. Virginia average

+4.58%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bedford from 2012 to 2022

Bedford is an area in Bedford, Virginia with population of 6,610. The total crime rate in Bedford is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bedford Police Department (VA0100100). Bedford total crime rate is 3,045 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bedford

#19 Tuckahoe

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Tuckahoe from 2012 to 2022

Tuckahoe is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 48,187. The total crime rate in Tuckahoe is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Tuckahoe total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Tuckahoe

#18 Richmond

County: Richmond

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Richmond from 2012 to 2022

Richmond is an area in Richmond, Virginia with population of 1,008,069. The total crime rate in Richmond is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Richmond total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Richmond

#17 Montrose

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Montrose from 2012 to 2022

Montrose is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 7,612. The total crime rate in Montrose is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Montrose total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Montrose

#16 Mechanicsville

County: Hanover

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Mechanicsville from 2012 to 2022

Mechanicsville is an area in Hanover, Virginia with population of 37,767. The total crime rate in Mechanicsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Mechanicsville total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mechanicsville

#15 Meadowbrook

County: Chesterfield

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Meadowbrook from 2012 to 2022

Meadowbrook is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 19,574. The total crime rate in Meadowbrook is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Meadowbrook total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Meadowbrook

#14 Manchester

County: Chesterfield

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Manchester from 2012 to 2022

Manchester is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 12,192. The total crime rate in Manchester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Manchester total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Manchester

#13 Laurel

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Laurel from 2012 to 2022

Laurel is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 17,962. The total crime rate in Laurel is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Laurel total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Laurel

#12 Lakeside

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Lakeside from 2012 to 2022

Lakeside is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 12,690. The total crime rate in Lakeside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Lakeside total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lakeside

#11 Highland Springs

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Highland Springs from 2012 to 2022

Highland Springs is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 14,823. The total crime rate in Highland Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Highland Springs total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Highland Springs

#10 East Highland Park

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in East Highland Park from 2012 to 2022

East Highland Park is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 16,669. The total crime rate in East Highland Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). East Highland Park total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Highland Park

#9 Dumbarton

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Dumbarton from 2012 to 2022

Dumbarton is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 8,443. The total crime rate in Dumbarton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Dumbarton total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dumbarton

#8 Chamberlayne

County: Henrico

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Chamberlayne from 2012 to 2022

Chamberlayne is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 5,069. The total crime rate in Chamberlayne is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Chamberlayne total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chamberlayne

#7 Bon Air

County: Chesterfield

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bon Air from 2012 to 2022

Bon Air is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 17,846. The total crime rate in Bon Air is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bon Air total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bon Air

#6 Bensley

County: Chesterfield

3,166

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.05%

vs. Virginia average

+8.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bensley from 2012 to 2022

Bensley is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 5,945. The total crime rate in Bensley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bensley total crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bensley

#5 Galax

County: Galax

3,249

Crime per 100,000 population

+62.23%

vs. Virginia average

+11.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Galax from 2012 to 2022

Galax is an area in Galax, Virginia with population of 6,681. The total crime rate in Galax is based on the nearest law agency agency, Galax Police Department (VA1100000). Galax total crime rate is 3,249 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Galax

#4 Ettrick

County: Chesterfield

4,036

Crime per 100,000 population

+101.48%

vs. Virginia average

+38.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Ettrick from 2012 to 2022

Ettrick is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 5,169. The total crime rate in Ettrick is based on the nearest law agency agency, Colonial Heights Police Department (VA1050000). Ettrick total crime rate is 4,036 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Ettrick

#3 Colonial Heights

County: Colonial Heights

4,036

Crime per 100,000 population

+101.48%

vs. Virginia average

+38.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Colonial Heights from 2012 to 2022

Colonial Heights is an area in Colonial Heights, Virginia with population of 18,127. The total crime rate in Colonial Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Colonial Heights Police Department (VA1050000). Colonial Heights total crime rate is 4,036 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Colonial Heights

#2 Chester

County: Chesterfield

4,036

Crime per 100,000 population

+101.48%

vs. Virginia average

+38.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Chester from 2012 to 2022

Chester is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 22,512. The total crime rate in Chester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Colonial Heights Police Department (VA1050000). Chester total crime rate is 4,036 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chester

#1 Franklin

County: Franklin

4,077

Crime per 100,000 population

+103.55%

vs. Virginia average

+40.01%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Franklin from 2012 to 2022

Franklin is an area in Franklin, Virginia with population of 8,249. The total crime rate in Franklin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Franklin Police Department (VA1085000). Franklin total crime rate is 4,077 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 2,003.36 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Franklin

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Virginia

Safety Tips for Total Crime in Virginia

Explore More on Crime Rates in Virginia

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Virginia? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Virginia for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Virginia.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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