Virginia's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Assault Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Virginia's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in assault 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 Dumbarton

County: Henrico

260

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.1%

vs. Virginia average

-0.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Dumbarton from 2012 to 2022

Dumbarton is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 8,443. The assault crime rate in Dumbarton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Dumbarton assault crime rate is 260 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dumbarton

#24 Chamberlayne

County: Henrico

260

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.1%

vs. Virginia average

-0.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Chamberlayne from 2012 to 2022

Chamberlayne is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 5,069. The assault crime rate in Chamberlayne is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Chamberlayne assault crime rate is 260 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chamberlayne

#23 Bon Air

County: Chesterfield

260

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.1%

vs. Virginia average

-0.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Bon Air is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 17,846. The assault crime rate in Bon Air is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bon Air assault crime rate is 260 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bon Air

#22 Bensley

County: Chesterfield

260

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.1%

vs. Virginia average

-0.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Bensley from 2012 to 2022

Bensley is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 5,945. The assault crime rate in Bensley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bensley assault crime rate is 260 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bensley

#21 Radford

County: Radford

262

Crime per 100,000 population

+113.05%

vs. Virginia average

+0.49%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Radford from 2012 to 2022

Radford is an area in Radford, Virginia with population of 16,205. The assault crime rate in Radford is based on the nearest law agency agency, Radford Police Department (VA1210000). Radford assault crime rate is 262 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Radford

#20 Danville

County: Danville

268

Crime per 100,000 population

+117.97%

vs. Virginia average

+2.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Danville from 2012 to 2022

Danville is an area in Danville, Virginia with population of 42,556. The assault crime rate in Danville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Danville Police Department (VA1070000). Danville assault crime rate is 268 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Danville

#19 Roanoke

County: Roanoke

269

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.66%

vs. Virginia average

+3.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Roanoke from 2012 to 2022

Roanoke is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 215,781. The assault crime rate in Roanoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Roanoke assault crime rate is 269 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Roanoke

#18 Hollins

County: Roanoke

269

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.66%

vs. Virginia average

+3.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Hollins from 2012 to 2022

Hollins is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 15,857. The assault crime rate in Hollins is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Hollins assault crime rate is 269 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hollins

#17 Cave Spring

County: Roanoke

269

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.66%

vs. Virginia average

+3.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Cave Spring is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 25,248. The assault crime rate in Cave Spring is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Cave Spring assault crime rate is 269 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cave Spring

#16 Timberlake

County: Campbell

275

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.59%

vs. Virginia average

+5.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Timberlake from 2012 to 2022

Timberlake is an area in Campbell, Virginia with population of 12,972. The assault crime rate in Timberlake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynchburg Police Department (VA1140000). Timberlake assault crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Timberlake

#15 Madison Heights

County: Amherst

275

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.59%

vs. Virginia average

+5.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Madison Heights from 2012 to 2022

Madison Heights is an area in Amherst, Virginia with population of 10,790. The assault crime rate in Madison Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynchburg Police Department (VA1140000). Madison Heights assault crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Madison Heights

#14 Lynchburg

County: Lynchburg

275

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.59%

vs. Virginia average

+5.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Lynchburg from 2012 to 2022

Lynchburg is an area in Lynchburg, Virginia with population of 120,877. The assault crime rate in Lynchburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynchburg Police Department (VA1140000). Lynchburg assault crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lynchburg

#13 Forest

County: Bedford

275

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.59%

vs. Virginia average

+5.47%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Forest from 2012 to 2022

Forest is an area in Bedford, Virginia with population of 11,045. The assault crime rate in Forest is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lynchburg Police Department (VA1140000). Forest assault crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Forest

#12 University of Virginia

County: Albemarle

278

Crime per 100,000 population

+125.8%

vs. Virginia average

+6.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in University of Virginia from 2012 to 2022

University of Virginia is an area in Albemarle, Virginia with population of 9,384. The assault crime rate in University of Virginia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlottesville Police Department (VA1020000). University of Virginia assault crime rate is 278 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in University of Virginia

#11 Hollymead

County: Albemarle

278

Crime per 100,000 population

+125.8%

vs. Virginia average

+6.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Hollymead from 2012 to 2022

Hollymead is an area in Albemarle, Virginia with population of 8,668. The assault crime rate in Hollymead is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlottesville Police Department (VA1020000). Hollymead assault crime rate is 278 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hollymead

#10 Charlottesville

County: Charlottesville

278

Crime per 100,000 population

+125.8%

vs. Virginia average

+6.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Charlottesville from 2012 to 2022

Charlottesville is an area in Charlottesville, Virginia with population of 102,164. The assault crime rate in Charlottesville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlottesville Police Department (VA1020000). Charlottesville assault crime rate is 278 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Charlottesville

#9 South Boston

County: Halifax

289

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.72%

vs. Virginia average

+10.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in South Boston from 2012 to 2022

South Boston is an area in Halifax, Virginia with population of 8,011. The assault crime rate in South Boston is based on the nearest law agency agency, South Boston Police Department (VA1240000). South Boston assault crime rate is 289 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in South Boston

#8 Emporia

County: Emporia

289

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.77%

vs. Virginia average

+10.74%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Emporia from 2012 to 2022

Emporia is an area in Emporia, Virginia with population of 5,761. The assault crime rate in Emporia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emporia Police Department (VA0400100). Emporia assault crime rate is 289 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Emporia

#7 Fredericksburg

County: Fredericksburg

292

Crime per 100,000 population

+137.23%

vs. Virginia average

+11.9%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Fredericksburg from 2012 to 2022

Fredericksburg is an area in Fredericksburg, Virginia with population of 155,414. The assault crime rate in Fredericksburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fredericksburg Police Department (VA1090000). Fredericksburg assault crime rate is 292 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fredericksburg

#6 Chesapeake

County: Chesapeake

304

Crime per 100,000 population

+147.0%

vs. Virginia average

+16.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Chesapeake from 2012 to 2022

Chesapeake is an area in Chesapeake, Virginia with population of 247,172. The assault crime rate in Chesapeake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chesapeake Police Department (VA1030000). Chesapeake assault crime rate is 304 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chesapeake

#5 Newport News

County: Newport News

341

Crime per 100,000 population

+177.14%

vs. Virginia average

+30.73%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Newport News from 2012 to 2022

Newport News is an area in Newport News, Virginia with population of 185,069. The assault crime rate in Newport News is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport News Police Department (VA1160000). Newport News assault crime rate is 341 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Newport News

#4 Carrollton

County: Isle of Wight

341

Crime per 100,000 population

+177.14%

vs. Virginia average

+30.73%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Carrollton from 2012 to 2022

Carrollton is an area in Isle of Wight, Virginia with population of 7,171. The assault crime rate in Carrollton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport News Police Department (VA1160000). Carrollton assault crime rate is 341 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Carrollton

#3 Norfolk

County: Norfolk

360

Crime per 100,000 population

+192.4%

vs. Virginia average

+37.92%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Norfolk from 2012 to 2022

Norfolk is an area in Norfolk, Virginia with population of 238,556. The assault crime rate in Norfolk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Norfolk Police Department (VA1170000). Norfolk assault crime rate is 360 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Norfolk

#2 Petersburg

County: Petersburg

444

Crime per 100,000 population

+260.77%

vs. Virginia average

+70.18%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Petersburg from 2012 to 2022

Petersburg is an area in Petersburg, Virginia with population of 33,229. The assault crime rate in Petersburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Petersburg Police Department (VA1190000). Petersburg assault crime rate is 444 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Petersburg

#1 Portsmouth

County: Portsmouth

458

Crime per 100,000 population

+272.12%

vs. Virginia average

+75.53%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Portsmouth from 2012 to 2022

Portsmouth is an area in Portsmouth, Virginia with population of 97,454. The assault crime rate in Portsmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Portsmouth Police Department (VA1200000). Portsmouth assault crime rate is 458 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 123.17 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Portsmouth

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Virginia

Safety Tips for Assault 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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