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

Unmasking Virginia's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in violent 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 Roanoke

County: Roanoke

427

Crime per 100,000 population

+107.37%

vs. Virginia average

+5.39%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Roanoke from 2012 to 2022

Roanoke is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 215,781. The violent crime rate in Roanoke is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Roanoke violent crime rate is 427 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Roanoke

#24 Hollins

County: Roanoke

427

Crime per 100,000 population

+107.37%

vs. Virginia average

+5.39%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hollins from 2012 to 2022

Hollins is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 15,857. The violent crime rate in Hollins is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Hollins violent crime rate is 427 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hollins

#23 Cave Spring

County: Roanoke

427

Crime per 100,000 population

+107.37%

vs. Virginia average

+5.39%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Cave Spring is an area in Roanoke, Virginia with population of 25,248. The violent crime rate in Cave Spring is based on the nearest law agency agency, Roanoke Police Department (VA1230000). Cave Spring violent crime rate is 427 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cave Spring

#22 South Boston

County: Halifax

434

Crime per 100,000 population

+110.73%

vs. Virginia average

+7.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

South Boston is an area in Halifax, Virginia with population of 8,011. The violent crime rate in South Boston is based on the nearest law agency agency, South Boston Police Department (VA1240000). South Boston violent crime rate is 434 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in South Boston

#21 Danville

County: Danville

461

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.74%

vs. Virginia average

+13.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Danville from 2012 to 2022

Danville is an area in Danville, Virginia with population of 42,556. The violent crime rate in Danville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Danville Police Department (VA1070000). Danville violent crime rate is 461 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Danville

#20 Emporia

County: Emporia

468

Crime per 100,000 population

+127.07%

vs. Virginia average

+15.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Emporia from 2012 to 2022

Emporia is an area in Emporia, Virginia with population of 5,761. The violent crime rate in Emporia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emporia Police Department (VA0400100). Emporia violent crime rate is 468 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Emporia

#19 Newport News

County: Newport News

511

Crime per 100,000 population

+147.92%

vs. Virginia average

+25.99%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Newport News is an area in Newport News, Virginia with population of 185,069. The violent crime rate in Newport News is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport News Police Department (VA1160000). Newport News violent crime rate is 511 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Newport News

#18 Carrollton

County: Isle of Wight

511

Crime per 100,000 population

+147.92%

vs. Virginia average

+25.99%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Carrollton from 2012 to 2022

Carrollton is an area in Isle of Wight, Virginia with population of 7,171. The violent crime rate in Carrollton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Newport News Police Department (VA1160000). Carrollton violent crime rate is 511 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Carrollton

#17 Tuckahoe

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Tuckahoe from 2012 to 2022

Tuckahoe is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 48,187. The violent crime rate in Tuckahoe is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Tuckahoe violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Tuckahoe

#16 Richmond

County: Richmond

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Richmond from 2012 to 2022

Richmond is an area in Richmond, Virginia with population of 1,008,069. The violent crime rate in Richmond is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Richmond violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Richmond

#15 Montrose

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Montrose from 2012 to 2022

Montrose is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 7,612. The violent crime rate in Montrose is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Montrose violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Montrose

#14 Mechanicsville

County: Hanover

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Mechanicsville from 2012 to 2022

Mechanicsville is an area in Hanover, Virginia with population of 37,767. The violent crime rate in Mechanicsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Mechanicsville violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mechanicsville

#13 Meadowbrook

County: Chesterfield

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Meadowbrook from 2012 to 2022

Meadowbrook is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 19,574. The violent crime rate in Meadowbrook is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Meadowbrook violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Meadowbrook

#12 Manchester

County: Chesterfield

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Manchester from 2012 to 2022

Manchester is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 12,192. The violent crime rate in Manchester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Manchester violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Manchester

#11 Laurel

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Laurel from 2012 to 2022

Laurel is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 17,962. The violent crime rate in Laurel is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Laurel violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Laurel

#10 Lakeside

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lakeside from 2012 to 2022

Lakeside is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 12,690. The violent crime rate in Lakeside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Lakeside violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lakeside

#9 Highland Springs

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Highland Springs is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 14,823. The violent crime rate in Highland Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Highland Springs violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Highland Springs

#8 East Highland Park

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent 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 violent crime rate in East Highland Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). East Highland Park violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Highland Park

#7 Dumbarton

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Dumbarton from 2012 to 2022

Dumbarton is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 8,443. The violent crime rate in Dumbarton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Dumbarton violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dumbarton

#6 Chamberlayne

County: Henrico

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Chamberlayne from 2012 to 2022

Chamberlayne is an area in Henrico, Virginia with population of 5,069. The violent crime rate in Chamberlayne is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Chamberlayne violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chamberlayne

#5 Bon Air

County: Chesterfield

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Bon Air is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 17,846. The violent crime rate in Bon Air is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bon Air violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bon Air

#4 Bensley

County: Chesterfield

520

Crime per 100,000 population

+152.09%

vs. Virginia average

+28.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Bensley from 2012 to 2022

Bensley is an area in Chesterfield, Virginia with population of 5,945. The violent crime rate in Bensley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Richmond Police Department (VA1220000). Bensley violent crime rate is 520 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bensley

#3 Norfolk

County: Norfolk

581

Crime per 100,000 population

+181.81%

vs. Virginia average

+43.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Norfolk from 2012 to 2022

Norfolk is an area in Norfolk, Virginia with population of 238,556. The violent crime rate in Norfolk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Norfolk Police Department (VA1170000). Norfolk violent crime rate is 581 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Norfolk

#2 Petersburg

County: Petersburg

684

Crime per 100,000 population

+232.02%

vs. Virginia average

+68.74%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Petersburg from 2012 to 2022

Petersburg is an area in Petersburg, Virginia with population of 33,229. The violent crime rate in Petersburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Petersburg Police Department (VA1190000). Petersburg violent crime rate is 684 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Petersburg

#1 Portsmouth

County: Portsmouth

734

Crime per 100,000 population

+256.24%

vs. Virginia average

+81.04%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Portsmouth from 2012 to 2022

Portsmouth is an area in Portsmouth, Virginia with population of 97,454. The violent crime rate in Portsmouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Portsmouth Police Department (VA1200000). Portsmouth violent crime rate is 734 per 100,000 population, compared to Virginia average of 206.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Portsmouth

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Virginia

Safety Tips for Violent 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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