Virginia ranks among the safer states in the country — its violent crime rate sits roughly 39% below the national average, and it places 41st out of 50 states for violent crime. But statewide averages mask dramatic variation. The difference between the safest and most dangerous city in the Commonwealth is stark: residents in low-crime areas face roughly a 1-in-479 annual chance of becoming a violent crime victim, while people living in the highest-crime cities face odds closer to 1-in-95.
If you are considering relocating to Virginia, planning a road trip through the Mid-Atlantic, or simply want to understand where the Commonwealth’s safety challenges are concentrated, this guide uses the most recent available data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and the Virginia State Police to give you a clear, honest picture.
Methodology
Rankings are based primarily on violent crime rate per 100,000 residents — the most meaningful safety metric for prospective residents and visitors — using FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for 2023–2024 (the most recent fully published figures). Property crime rate and total crime index are used as secondary factors. Virginia statewide benchmarks: violent crime ~218 per 100,000 and property crime ~1,786 per 100,000 (Virginia State Police, Crime in Virginia 2023). All population figures are U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
At a Glance: Virginia’s 10 Most Dangerous Cities
The table below lets you compare all ten cities on the same metrics. All crime figures are per 100,000 residents. The Virginia state average for violent crime is approximately 218 per 100,000; the national average is approximately 363 per 100,000.
| # | City | Population | Violent Crime / 100K | Property Crime / 100K | vs. VA Average | Data Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petersburg | ~33,500 | 1,044 | 2,889 | ~4.8× higher | FBI UCR 2024 |
| 2 | Newport News | ~184,000 | 875 | 2,302 | ~4.0× higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| 3 | Portsmouth | ~93,000 | 826 | 4,570 | ~3.8× higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| 4 | Roanoke | ~99,000 | 680 | 3,996 | ~3.1× higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| 5 | Richmond | ~229,000 | 590 | 2,800 | ~2.7× higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| 6 | Norfolk | ~238,000 | 440 | 2,300 | ~2.0× higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| 7 | Marion | ~5,900 | 429 | 4,005 | ~2.0× higher | FBI UCR 2022 |
| 8 | Colonial Heights | ~17,500 | 399 | 4,047 | ~1.8× higher | FBI UCR 2022 |
| 9 | South Boston | ~7,500 | 390 | 2,600 | ~1.8× higher | FBI UCR 2022 |
| 10 | Galax | ~6,900 | 370 | 2,450 | ~1.7× higher | FBI UCR 2022 |
Note: For smaller cities (Marion, Colonial Heights, South Boston, Galax), population size means a small number of crimes can significantly move the per-capita rate. Use these figures as one signal among several, not as a definitive verdict.
1. Petersburg, VA — Virginia’s Most Violent City
Approx. 23 miles (37 km) south of Richmond · Population: ~33,500
Violent Crime / 100K
1,044
~4.8× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
2,889
~1.6× the VA average
Murder Rate / 100K
~63
vs. VA avg of ~9.8
Odds of Violent Crime
1 in 96
vs. 1 in 459 statewide
Petersburg consistently records Virginia’s highest violent crime rate. Situated on the fall line of the Appomattox River roughly 23 miles (37 km) south of Richmond via Interstate 95, the city has experienced concentrated socioeconomic challenges since the decline of its manufacturing base in the late twentieth century. According to HomeSnacks using FBI UCR data, there were 350 violent crimes in Petersburg in the most recent reporting year, translating to 1,044 per 100,000 — nearly five times the Virginia state average and close to three times the national average.
The murder rate stands at approximately 63 per 100,000 — among the highest of any city its size in the eastern United States. For context, 8News reported that Petersburg recorded 24 homicides in the 2023–2024 period, though that figure had dropped significantly to eight in the following 12-month window — a meaningful if not yet fully confirmed downward signal.
Motor vehicle theft is a particular concern: NeighborhoodScout found Petersburg to be in the top tier nationally for vehicle theft, with roughly a 1-in-243 annual chance of having a car stolen. The Petersburg Police Department has partnered with BAIR Analytics to improve crime reporting and predictive patrol deployment — an initiative cited by city officials as one component of a longer-term stabilisation strategy.
Practical note: Petersburg’s Old Towne district and the Petersburg National Battlefield attract history visitors during daylight hours and are generally manageable. Evening travel outside tourist areas warrants extra caution, and visitors should research specific neighbourhoods before booking accommodation.
2. Newport News, VA — Hampton Roads’ Largest Crime Hotspot
Hampton Roads region, on the Virginia Peninsula · Population: ~184,000
Violent Crime / 100K
875
~4.0× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
2,302
~1.3× the VA average
Robberies / 100K
149
Per FBI 2023 data
Odds of Violent Crime
1 in 114
vs. 1 in 459 statewide
Newport News is Virginia’s fourth most populous city and, according to SafeHome.org’s analysis of 2023 FBI data, it records the second-highest violent crime rate in the state at approximately 875 per 100,000 residents. The city stretches roughly 25 miles (40 km) along the north bank of the Hampton Roads waterway, anchored economically by the Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding yard — one of the largest private employers in Virginia.
Assaults account for the majority of violent offences; 149 robberies and approximately 28 rapes per 100,000 residents were recorded in the same period. Property crime, at 2,302 per 100,000, exceeds the national average by roughly 31% and Virginia’s average by 29%. The daily violent crime rate in Newport News is approximately 1.69 times the Virginia average, according to AreaVibes.
The city’s crime burden is not evenly spread: older residential corridors north of downtown and sections of the East End see disproportionately high incident rates, while the Mariners’ Museum area and newer suburban zones to the south carry substantially lower risk.
Practical note: Newport News is a major embarkation point for visitors to Colonial Williamsburg, located 20 miles (32 km) to the northwest. The waterfront and museum corridor are generally safe during daytime. Research specific zip codes before choosing overnight accommodation.
3. Portsmouth, VA — High Violence and Property Crime Combined
Across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk · Population: ~93,000
Violent Crime / 100K
826
~3.8× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
4,570
~2.6× the VA average
Vehicle Break-ins
High
Especially downtown lots
Crime Trend
↑ Rising
Gang homicides +9% since 2022
Portsmouth sits on the western bank of the Elizabeth River, directly across from Norfolk, and is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard — the oldest and largest naval shipyard in the United States. Despite that economic anchor, Portsmouth records a violent crime rate of approximately 826 per 100,000 residents, placing it third in Virginia according to 2023 FBI data compiled by SafeHome.org.
What distinguishes Portsmouth from other high-crime Virginia cities is the combination of elevated violent crime and very high property crime. At 4,570 per 100,000, Portsmouth’s property crime rate is among the highest in the state, exceeding the Virginia average by roughly 156%. Downtown parking lots are specifically cited for frequent vehicle break-ins; Reolink’s 2023 analysis notes that new licence plate readers deployed in high-crime zones helped recover 185 stolen vehicles in a single year, though gang-related homicides continued to rise by approximately 9% relative to 2022 levels.
The city’s Olde Towne neighbourhood — a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places — is a popular daytime destination and carries a lower day-to-day risk than the city’s aggregate statistics suggest. The wider context, however, warrants awareness.
4. Roanoke, VA — Highest Total Crime Rate in the State
Southwest Virginia; approx. 180 miles (290 km) southwest of Washington D.C. · Population: ~99,000
Violent Crime / 100K
~680
~3.1× the VA average
Total Crime Index / 100K
4,676
Highest in Virginia
Property Crime / 100K
~3,996
~2.2× the VA average
vs. National Average
93% higher
Overall crime rate
Roanoke is the commercial and cultural hub of southwest Virginia, set in a valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Highlands. It is the largest city for roughly 100 miles (160 km) in any direction — and, according to CrimeByCityy.com’s analysis of FBI data, it records the highest total crime rate of any city in Virginia, at 4,676 per 100,000 residents.
Roanoke’s overall crime rate runs approximately 93% above the national average. Assault is the most common violent offence; theft is the dominant property crime category. The city is substantially more ethnically and economically diverse than the surrounding rural counties of southwest Virginia, and crime incidence is concentrated in specific urban corridors rather than distributed evenly across the metro area. The Downtown Roanoke core and the Grandin Road district are active, relatively safe areas during the day and early evening.
Regional context: Roanoke serves as the main overnight stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway for travellers heading southwest. The parkway itself and the adjacent Shenandoah Valley remain among Virginia’s safest areas. Roanoke’s elevated crime is largely an urban-neighbourhood phenomenon rather than a risk that extends to surrounding outdoor recreation areas.
5. Richmond, VA — High Violent Crime in the State Capital
Virginia’s state capital; approx. 110 miles (177 km) south of Washington D.C. · Population: ~229,000
Violent Crime / 100K
~590
~2.7× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
~2,800
~1.6× the VA average
Shootings concentration
35%
From public housing complexes
Crime Trend
↓ Improving
Down from 2022 peaks
Richmond, Virginia’s state capital and the anchor city of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area, has carried a high violent crime rate for decades — it recorded the most murders per resident of any Virginia city in 2012, a distinction it has held intermittently since. Analysis of 2023 FBI data places Richmond’s violent crime rate at approximately 590 per 100,000, roughly 2.7 times the Virginia state average.
Crime in Richmond is highly concentrated geographically. Public housing developments, most notably Creighton Court and Mosby Court in the East End, account for a disproportionate share of shootings. A community policing initiative launched in 2022 increased visible police presence in these corridors and has contributed to a measurable downward trend in total violent incidents through 2024.
For visitors and prospective residents, the picture is more nuanced than the aggregate figure suggests. Neighbourhoods including the Fan District, Carytown, Scott’s Addition, and Church Hill (particularly its western edge) are active, walkable, and carry far lower day-to-day risk than the city average. Richmond’s strong restaurant and arts scene draws significant visitor traffic, and the city’s James River Park System — one of the most impressive urban outdoor recreation networks in the eastern United States — sees millions of visits annually with minimal incident.
6. Norfolk, VA — Military Hub with Persistent Urban Crime
Hampton Roads region; home to Naval Station Norfolk · Population: ~238,000
Violent Crime / 100K
~440
~2.0× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
~2,300
~1.3× the VA average
Violent Crime / 1,000
6.63
Per resident annually
Unemployment Rate
~3.8%
Below national avg
Norfolk is Virginia’s third most populous city and home to Naval Station Norfolk — the largest naval installation in the world. Despite a relatively healthy economy anchored by defence, healthcare, and Old Dominion University, Norfolk records a violent crime rate of approximately 440 per 100,000 — roughly double the Virginia average.
The chance that a resident will experience rape, assault, or murder in any given year is approximately 1 in 183, while the murder rate alone runs close to three times the state average. Property crime stands at 28.53 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. The Norfolk Police Department maintains several community engagement programmes aimed at reducing youth violence and improving reporting rates in under-served neighbourhoods.
Visitors to Norfolk’s Nauticus museum, the Chrysler Museum of Art, or the Ghent neighbourhood — one of the city’s most walkable and commercially active areas — will find an environment considerably safer than the citywide statistics suggest.
7. Marion, VA — Small City, Outsized Crime Challenge
Smyth County, Southwest Virginia; approx. 280 miles (451 km) southwest of Richmond · Population: ~5,900
Violent Crime / 100K
429
~2.0× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
4,005
~2.2× the VA average
Overall Crime Rate
129% above
vs. state average
Interstate Access
I-81
Proximity inflates transient crime
Marion, the county seat of Smyth County in the Appalachian foothills of far southwest Virginia, sits directly on Interstate 81 — one of the busiest freight corridors on the East Coast. That access cuts both ways: it supports the local economy but also provides easy entry and exit for transient criminal activity, something local law enforcement has repeatedly cited as a factor in Marion’s disproportionately high crime rate relative to its population.
With only around 5,900 residents, a small number of incidents creates a significant statistical impact. Violent crime categories include rape, robbery, assault, and murder. Property crime, at approximately 4,005 per 100,000, is particularly elevated — over twice the Virginia average. A substantial retired population in and around Marion makes the city a noted target for theft and financial fraud.
8. Colonial Heights, VA — Property Crime Above Its Weight
Tri-Cities region; approx. 25 miles (40 km) south of Richmond · Population: ~17,500
Violent Crime / 100K
399
~1.8× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
4,047
~2.3× the VA average
Risk of Property Crime
1 in 27
Annual probability (2023 est.)
Region
Tri-Cities
Near Petersburg & Hopewell
Colonial Heights forms part of Virginia’s Tri-Cities region alongside Petersburg and Hopewell, located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Richmond via I-95. Although its violent crime rate — around 399 per 100,000 — is lower than the cities above it on this list, Colonial Heights’s property crime rate of approximately 4,047 per 100,000 is among the highest in the state, giving residents a roughly 1-in-27 annual chance of experiencing theft, burglary, or vehicle-related property crime.
Proximity to Petersburg, which has far higher violent crime, is a factor: spillover incidents along shared commercial corridors have historically inflated Colonial Heights’s totals. That said, day-to-day quality of life in Colonial Heights is meaningfully quieter than the raw crime rate implies — violent offences are relatively infrequent, and the cost of living is lower than many comparable Virginia towns. Colonial Heights recorded the 17th-highest rape rate in Virginia as of the most recent reporting period — a figure worth noting despite the generally lower violent crime picture.
9. South Boston, VA — Regional Service Hub with a Crime Burden
Halifax County, south-central Virginia; approx. 90 miles (145 km) south of Richmond · Population: ~7,500
Violent Crime / 100K
~390
~1.8× the VA average
Property Crime / 100K
~2,600
~1.5× the VA average
Poverty Rate
~17%
Above state average
Crime Trend
↑ Rising
Upward trend since 2020
South Boston serves as the county seat and commercial centre of Halifax County in the tobacco-growing belt of south-central Virginia, roughly 90 miles (145 km) south of Richmond and about 50 miles (80 km) north of the North Carolina border. For a town of approximately 7,500 residents, its per-capita crime figures are elevated: a violent crime rate around 390 per 100,000 and a property crime rate approaching 2,600 per 100,000.
A poverty rate of around 17% — well above both state and national averages — is consistently cited by local officials and researchers as the primary structural driver of South Boston’s crime challenge. Property crime dominates the incident log; residential burglary is the most common individual offence. The local police service, while active, operates with limited resources relative to the demands placed on it, and crime statistics have trended upward since 2020.
10. Galax, VA — Highest Rape Rate in the State
Carroll and Grayson counties, far southwest Virginia; approx. 270 miles (435 km) southwest of Richmond · Population: ~6,900
Violent Crime / 100K
~370
~1.7× the VA average
Rape Rate
Highest in VA
Per 100K residents
Property Crime / 100K
~2,450
~1.4× the VA average
Sex Offenders
~1 per 89
Residents (state registry)
Galax, a small city of approximately 6,900 residents on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, straddles Carroll and Grayson counties in the far southwest of Virginia — roughly 270 miles (435 km) from Richmond via US-58 and I-77. It is perhaps best known nationally for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, held each August and considered one of the oldest and largest old-time and bluegrass music gatherings in the world.
The crime picture is more sobering. Galax records the highest rape rate per capita in Virginia, with sexual assault consistently topping its violent crime breakdown. Assault is the second most common violent offence. Theft is the dominant property crime, and Galax holds the fifth-highest overall property crime rate in the state relative to population. City-Data.com recorded a sex offender concentration of approximately one per 89 residents — a figure worth noting for families researching this area.
As with Marion, the small population means that a modest absolute number of crimes produces a large per-capita rate. Visitors attending the Old Fiddlers’ Convention or passing through on US Route 58 should be aware of the context but are unlikely to encounter issues in the festival grounds or main commercial corridor during daylight.
Where Is Virginia Safe? The State’s Lowest-Crime Cities
Virginia’s statewide crime figures are shaped heavily by the handful of high-crime urban centres listed above. Across the rest of the Commonwealth, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley and southwest mountain communities, violent crime rates are strikingly low. The following cities recorded the lowest violent crime rates in Virginia according to 2023 FBI data:
Virginia’s Safest Cities (Violent Crime Rate per 100,000)
- Berryville — 20 per 100,000 (Clarke County, Shenandoah Valley)
- Bridgewater — 29 per 100,000 (Rockingham County)
- Timberville — 32 per 100,000 (Rockingham County)
- Blacksburg — lowest total crime rate (792 per 100,000), home to Virginia Tech
- Northern Virginia suburbs (Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Ashburn) — all well below state and national averages, anchored by the Washington D.C. metro economy
The pattern is consistent: Northern Virginia’s affluent technology corridor and the Shenandoah Valley’s smaller towns record crime rates comparable to the safest communities in any state. Anyone relocating to Virginia who prioritises safety will find ample options in these regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia a safe state overall?
Yes. Virginia ranks 41st out of 50 states for violent crime, meaning 40 states are safer. Its violent crime rate of approximately 218 per 100,000 residents is roughly 39% below the national average of 363 per 100,000. However, that average masks significant local variation — certain cities see violent crime rates four to five times higher than the state figure. Source: USAFacts / FBI UCR 2023.
Which city in Virginia has the most murders?
Petersburg consistently records the highest murder rate per capita in Virginia, at approximately 63 per 100,000 residents — roughly six times the state average and among the highest rates of any comparable city on the East Coast. Richmond has historically recorded the highest absolute number of murders in some years due to its larger population, but Petersburg’s per-capita rate is substantially higher.
Is Richmond, VA dangerous to visit?
Richmond’s elevated crime rate is highly concentrated in specific residential corridors. The areas most popular with visitors — Carytown, the Fan, Scott’s Addition, Shockoe Bottom, and the James River waterfront — carry significantly lower risk than the citywide statistics suggest. Standard urban precautions (avoiding isolated areas after dark, not leaving valuables in vehicles) are appropriate. The James River Park System draws millions of visitors annually without significant incident.
Are the crime stats for small Virginia cities reliable?
With caution. For cities under 10,000 residents — including Marion, Galax, and South Boston — a small number of incidents in an absolute sense can produce a dramatic per-capita rate. A single violent crime in a town of 6,000 adds roughly 17 points to the per-100,000 figure. Always read small-city statistics alongside absolute numbers, multi-year trends, and local context rather than as a standalone verdict.
Is Virginia Beach dangerous?
Virginia Beach does not appear on this list. Despite being Virginia’s most populous city with approximately 460,000 residents, its crime rates are close to the state average, and its resort and suburban character distributes risk very differently from urban centres like Portsmouth or Newport News. Its violent crime rate is substantially below the cities ranked here.
How does Virginia compare to neighbouring states?
According to USAFacts, Virginia is safer than all six of its neighbouring states (Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia) by total crime rate. The D.C. metro area has the highest crime rate of Virginia’s neighbours at 4,514 per 100,000; Virginia’s figure of approximately 2,726 per 100,000 is noticeably lower.
The Bottom Line
Virginia is a genuinely safe state for the vast majority of residents and visitors. Its statewide crime rates are below national averages, and much of the Commonwealth — from the Shenandoah Valley to Northern Virginia’s suburbs — is among the most liveable territory in the eastern United States. The ten cities profiled here represent concentrated pockets of elevated crime rather than the Virginia norm.
If you are researching a move, the single most useful step you can take is to look at neighbourhood-level data rather than city averages. Tools including the FBI Crime Data Explorer, NeighborhoodScout, and CrimeGrade.org all provide granular, address-level risk data that will serve you far better than any statewide or city-level ranking — including this one.
Sources & Data References
- FBI Crime Data Explorer — Uniform Crime Reporting Program (2023–2024 data)
- Virginia State Police — Crime in Virginia 2023
- SafeHome.org — Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia (2023 FBI data)
- HomeSnacks — Petersburg Crime Report (FBI UCR 2024)
- CrimeByCityy.com — Virginia Crime Rate & Statistics
- USAFacts — Virginia Crime Rate
- AreaVibes — Petersburg, VA Crime Rates
- NeighborhoodScout — Petersburg Crime Data (FBI, 2024 calendar year)
- WRIC 8News — Tri-Cities Crime Data 2024–2025
- Reolink — Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia 2026
This article was last reviewed April 2026. Crime statistics are updated annually as new FBI data becomes available. Where 2024 data is not yet available for a given city, the most recent published year is used and noted in the comparison table.
