Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: April 1, 2024 12:38pm CDT
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, located between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains.
Virginia is nicknamed the “Old Dominion” due to its status as the first permanent English colony established in mainland North America, as well as the “Mother of Presidents” because eight U.S. presidents were born there, more than any other state.
Virginia is divided into 95 counties and 38 independent cities, with Fairfax County being the most populous.
Like any other state in the region, Virginia has its share of crime, history of racism, and poverty-related challenges that communities and law enforcement strive to improve upon.
In addition to discussing Virginia’s crime trends in this article, we provide a list of Virginia’s top 10 most dangerous cities, including verified crime rate stats to back it up.
So, without further ado, let’s discuss the details about the places with the most crime in Virginia.
Most Dangerous Cities In Virginia Map and Crime Rate Trends
In this article, we aim to understand more about crimes and potential causes in Virginia’s cities while taking note of the state’s achievements, the resilience of its communities, and the cooperative efforts put forth by lawmakers and police officers.
Lastly, we want to urge our readers to remember that the issue of crime in Virginia is more than mere statistics.
Underlying factors exist which contribute to the crime rate being significantly higher in certain areas.
With that said, let’s get started by discussing where the state of Virginia’s average crime rate compares to that of the rest of the United States.
Virginia Crime Rate Ranking and Data Trends
We begin by discussing the overall crime rate trends and highlighting the safest areas and, of course, the top 10 dangerous places in Virginia (including the Virginia crime rate by city).
It is imperative to note that in addition to the state of Virginia being the 12th-largest state in the United States by population and the 35th-largest state by area, 80% of its land is rural.
High levels of rurality with a spread out population pose additional challenges when it comes to the data collection of crime stats.
That is why significant credit goes to the local police departments and statewide agencies, such as the Data Analysis and Reporting Team (DART) at the Virginia Department of State Police.
These stats help them in their efforts to keep Virginia’s communities safe, allocate resources, and improve the overall well-being of citizens and tourists alike.
Initiatives such as Virginia’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program (derived from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s national program) have been successful in doing precisely this.
The UCR serves as the state repository for the collection of crime statistics and is a source we used to create this article about the top 10 most dangerous places to live in Virginia, which you are reading right now.
At present, more than 18,000 agencies across the country contribute data on reported criminal offenses, increasing the accuracy of these crime rates. You can read more and access the real annual updates on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
Total Crime By Category In Virginia
As per the latest reports of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Virginia Crime Information Center, the following are the total amounts per various reported violent crime types:
According to the latest data, The total property crime count was 257,371, while the total violent crime count was 110,836.
What is the crime rate in Virginia?
Virginia’s Violent Crime Rate Is 2.34 and 39.3% Better Than the National Average
According to the FBI’s most recent CDE reports, Virginia’s violent crime rate is 2.34 incidents per 1,000 people residents, which is better than the average of 3.87.
The likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime is low, and the state is a safer place to live. The violent crime rate in Virginia is 39.53% lower than the average for the entire United States.
Similarly, Virginia has the lowest violent crime rate among the South Atlantic states (Delaware, Florida*, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.)
*Only a fraction of the agencies in Florida submitted data to the CDE. The statement about the South Atlantic region remains very accurate based on the prior year of reporting.
Virginia’s Property Crime Rate Is 16.96 and 13.24% Better Than the National Average
The annual rate for all types of property crime in Virginia is 16.96 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Although better than the national average of 19.54, Virginia’s property crime rate saw an increase, which is the first time the rate has gotten worse year over year since 2008 (the height of the global financial crisis and the Great Recession).
Firearm-Related Deaths In Virginia Are On the Rise In Virginia
Firearm-related deaths in Virginia have seen a significant increase over the past several years. Deaths from firearms increased by 27% between 2018 and 2022.
In 2022, the rate reached an all-time high of 15.2 per 100,000 residents. 42% of the reported firearm deaths were homicides.
Before we continue discussing the characteristics of Virginia’s crime rates, let’s clarify what both violent crimes and property crimes mean, as the definitions of the two categories of crime directly impact how the crime rate is tallied.
Violent Crime Vs. Property Crime Definitions In Virginia [Infographic]
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR) defines property crimes as those committed with the intent to steal money or property without the force or the threat of force perpetuated against the victims.
The definition of property crime includes the following four offense types:
Property Crime Offenses
- Burglary
- Larceny-theft (i.e., stealing gas or shoplifting from a store)
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
In addition to defining property crime, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) defines what is considered a violent crime offense. These charges can also apply to stealing. However, they all involve force or threat of force. This category consists of four types of offenses:
Violent Crime Offenses
Like many things, the most common characteristics of violent crimes committed in Virginia vary when compared to other states.
Most Common Weapons Used For Violent Crimes In Virginia.
Virginia Violent Crime Rate Demographic Trends
When we analyze the age demographic for the offenders and victims of all types of violent crime in Virginia, the following is what the distribution among different age groups looks like.
Most Violent Crimes Are Committed By People Under 40 Years Old
50.18% of violent crimes are committed by individuals under the age of 40 in Virginia.
Out of this, the age group with the largest percentage of violent offenders was 30-39, at 19.49%, closely followed by the 20-29 age range, at 19%.
Average Age of Victims in Violent Crimes
The most significant portion of violent crime victims in Virginia fall in the 20-39 year old age range in Virginia.
The slight disparity between the average age of violent crime victims and that of the average age of offender statistics can be primarily attributed to the lopsided victim-to-offender ratio among children under the age of 10.
Specifically, 48.86% of victims of violent crime are under the age of 40 in Virginia, with 22% of violent crime victims being between the ages of 30-39, the highest in any age group.
Most Common Location of Violent Crime Incidents Is At Home
The most recent CDE data indicates that 58% of the violent crimes in Virginia are committed at the residence of the victim (often domestic disputes).
This is followed by Highway/Alley/Street/Sidewalk and Parking Garage/Lot, being the second and third most common locations of reported violent crimes at 14% and 5%, respectively.
Men Are More Likely To Commit Violent Crimes Than Women
There is a significant gender disparity among violent crime offenders in Virginia. Over 79% of the violent crimes reported in Virginia are committed by males.
The Gender of Violent Crime Victims Is Closely Split Between Men and Women
In Virginia, 52% of the violent crime victims in Virginia are male victims, while 47% are female. The remaining 1% are listed as unknown. That indicates the gender of the victim was not part of the reported data for 1% of the violent crime offenses sent to the FBI.
Now that we have established some of the demographic trends surrounding the reported crimes let’s explore the formula used and the list of the top 10 most dangerous places in Virginia.
Why can you trust our list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in Virginia?
This ranking of the most dangerous city in Virginia is reliable for reference, as it is derived from objective facts and data assembled by federal sources with a uniform system used by local and state agencies across Virginia.
It’s not based on speculation or the mere personal opinions of the author.
Standard Crime Rate Formula
We use a standard system for determining a city’s crime rate using publicly available total crime and census statistics we obtained from official federal government websites and sources, which works for both property and violent crime types in Virginia.
The formula to determine what are the most dangerous Virginia cities to live in consists of the following two steps:
- Divide the total number of reported crimes by the city’s population size.
- Multiply the result of the first step by 1,000. The product is the final crime rate per 1,000 people.
Most Dangerous Virginia Cities Ranking System
We focus on the violent crime rate to determine a city’s position on our list of the top 10 dangerous cities in Virginia without factoring in property crime.
That is because not only is violent crime more dangerous than property crime, but it is also less affected by factors like tourism and spring breakers, which impact some Virginia cities more than others.
Now that you know where we get the Virginia crime rate data from and the inner workings of the system we use to determine the level of a city’s crime, let’s answer the question, “What are the most dangerous cities in Virginia?”
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Virginia 2024
Among the 666 incorporated cities in Virginia, Portsmouth is ranked as the city with the highest crime rate in Virginia on the list of the most dangerous places to reside in Virginia based on crime statistics.
- Portsmouth
- Norfolk
- Roanoke
- Fredericksburg
- Emporia
- Charlottesville
- Galax
- Franklin
- Richmond
- Hopewell
What city in Virginia has the highest crime rate?
Portsmouth is the city with the highest rate of crime in Virginia and, statistically, is the most dangerous place to live in the state of Virginia.
Portsmouth
The city of Portsmouth, Virginia, is an independent city (not part of a county) founded by politician William Crawford in 1752 and named after Portsmouth, England.
It is the ninth most populated city in Virginia and is located in the southeast portion of the state.
Portsmouth is directly across the Elizabeth River from the city of Norfolk and part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area (area surrounding the Hampton Roads water channel).
The city is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a historic and currently active U.S. Navy facility.
The shipyard played a pivotal role during the American Civil War as it was the site of the famous Battle of Hampton Roads, a two-day battle in 1862 between the Union and the Confederacy.
The battle was also the first to involve ironclad warships (steam-propelled and protected by iron armor): the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor.
A significant portion of modern-day Portsmouth’s workforce is in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 17.4% of the population in Portsmouth lives below the poverty line, significantly higher than the national average of 11.5%.
What is the crime rate in Portsmouth, VA?
The Total Crime Rate In Portsmouth Is 61.08
For every 1,000 people living in Portsmouth, Virginia, 61.08 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Portsmouth’s Violent Crime Rate Is 9.39
The violent crime rate in Portsmouth is 9.39; for every 1,000 people living in Portsmouth, 9.39 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Portsmouth’s Property Crime Rate Is 51.69
The property crime rate in Portsmouth is 51.69; for every 1,000 people living in Portsmouth, 51.69 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Portsmouth Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 94,398
- Total Violent Crimes: 886
- Total Property Crimes: 4,879
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 9.39
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 51.69
Why Is Portsmouth So dangerous?
Many attribute the high crime rate and danger in Portsmouth to economic challenges faced by many of its residents, such as the city’s high rate of poverty and lower median household income.
Most Dangerous Areas In Portsmouth
- Norcum Park
- Midtown East
- Prentis Park
- Prentis Place
- West Haven Park
- Brighton
- Southside
- Hattonsville
Safest Neighborhoods In Portsmouth
- Elm Ave / Victory Blvd
- Edgefield
- West Norfolk neighborhood
- Hodges Manor
- Sterling Point
- Merrifields Blvd / Twin Pines Rd
- Waterview
- Simonsdale
- Cavalier Manor
Norfolk
Founded in 1682, the independent city of Norfolk, Virginia, is the third largest city by population size in Virginia and the 95th largest in the United States.
Encompassing 66 square miles of land, Norfolk is located at the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, bordered by the Elizabeth River to its west and the Chesapeake Bay to its north.
The city is home to the largest naval installation in the world, Naval Station Norfolk (headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Forces Command, an integral component of the United State’s defense for more than 100 years).
In addition to the area’s waterways being crucial from a military transport perspective, Norfolk’s economy relies heavily on them for the import and export of commercial goods.
Norfolk’s population is disproportionately comprised of males between 20 and 30 years old, which can largely be attributed to its also being home to a significant military presence.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 17.7% of the population in Norfolk lives below the poverty line, which is more than 66% higher than the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
The high poverty rate is corroborated by Norfolk’s low median household income of $60,998 per year, which is almost $25,000 less than Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873.
What is the crime rate in Norfolk, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Norfolk, VA Is 56.86
For every 1,000 people living in Norfolk, Virginia, 56.86 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Norfolk’s Violent Crime Rate Is 7.29
The violent crime rate in Norfolk is 7.29; for every 1,000 people living in Norfolk, 7.29 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Norfolk’s Property Crime Rate Is 49.57
The property crime rate in Norfolk is 49.57; for every 1,000 people living in Norfolk, 49.57 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Norfolk Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 232,995
- Total Violent Crimes: 1,698
- Total Property Crimes: 11,551
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 7.29
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 49.57
Most Dangerous Areas In Norfolk
- Park Place
- Berkley
- Villa Heights / Lindenwood
- Campostella / Diggs Town
- Bruce’s Park
- Huntersville
- Norview District
- Spartan Village
- Young Terrace
- Denby Park
- Brambleton
- Tidewater Gardens
Safest Neighborhoods In Norfolk
- East Beach
- Larchmont
- Bayview
- Northside
- Glenwood Park
- South of Military Circle
- Camellia Shores
- Riverview / Colonial Place
- Lakewood
- Roland Park
- Riverpoint
- Ghent Square
- Edgewater
- West Ghent
- Free Mason
Roanoke
Founded in 1884, Roanoke, Virginia, is an independent city located in Southwest Virginia along the Roanoke River and the scenic Blue Ridge (segment of Appalachian Mountains).
It was initially the railroad depot town of Big Lick (named after the salt deposits, which attracted wild animals to the area).
Roanoke is the eighth-largest city in Virginia by population and is known as the “Star City of the South” due to the iconic Roanoke Star (88.5-foot-tall illuminated star), which sits atop Mill Mountain and overlooks the region.
The city serves as the modern-day economic and cultural hub for the surrounding Roanoke Valley and was originally home to the Tutelo tribe.
The Tutelo are a now-extinct Native American tribe who lived along the present-day Virginia/West Virginia border before being driven out by English settlers.
Roanoke is governed by a council-manager system, with a mayor elected by the council from among its members.
The city’s economy has evolved over the years. Initially hurt by Norfolk and Western Railway company moving its headquarters out of Norfolk, the local economy has successfully transitioned to being predominantly employed by the healthcare industry.
Roanoke’s largest employer is the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, which employs more than 1,000 people.
The city of Roanoke has a long history of racism and was one of the first cities in the country to adopt Jim Crow laws, which exacerbated racial inequity and hardship among Black neighborhoods.
One instance of racism-fueled violence in Roanoke happened in September 1893 after a white woman was reportedly robbed and assaulted by an African-American man named Thomas Smith near the city’s market.
This incident triggered escalating tensions, culminating in Smith’s imprisonment in the city jail.
A large mob, numbering in the hundreds, surrounded the building, demanding “lynch justice.” A confrontation between the mob and an undermanned militia defending the prisoner erupted, resulting in eight fatalities and thirty-one injuries.
The Mayor, Henry S. Trout, had to flee Roanoke, fearing for his safety as he pledged to safeguard Smith.
Eventually, the angry mob gained custody of Smith and proceeded to hang him and desecrate his body before burning it. Mayor Trout returned to the town a week later, bolstered by the national press’ rebuke of the lynch mob and praise of his bravery during the ordeal.
The crime rate in Roanoke is one of the highest in America, especially when compared with communities of similar size.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 19.1% of the population living in Roanoke is considered below the poverty line, which is over 80% higher than the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
Sociologists say racist, discriminatory practices are interrelated with higher levels of poverty and crime, which contribute to Roanoke, VA, being an unsafe place to live.
What is the crime rate in Roanoke, VA?
The Total Crime Rate In Roanoke, VA Is 50.67
For every 1,000 people living in Roanoke, Virginia, 50.67 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Roanoke’s Violent Crime Rate Is 6.22
The violent crime rate in Roanoke is 6.22; for every 1,000 people living in Roanoke, 6.22 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Roanoke’s Property Crime Rate Is 44.45
The property crime rate in Roanoke is 44.45; for every 1,000 people living in Roanoke, 44.45 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Roanoke Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 97,171
- Total Violent Crimes: 604
- Total Property Crimes: 4,319
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 6.22
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 44.45
Most Dangerous Areas In Roanoke
- Ogden Hills
- Mountain View / West End
- Wilmont
- Belmont
- Williamson Road
- Miller Court / Arrowood
Safest Neighborhoods In the Roanoke Area
- Old Southwest
- Wasena
- Melrose Rugby
- Poages Mill Estates
- Old Mill Plantation Rd – 24018
- Southern Hills
- Greater Deyerle
- Castle Rock Farms
- The Orchards
- Grandin Court
- Montclair Estates
- Hampden Hills
Fredericksburg
Founded in 1728, Fredericksburg is an independent city in Virginia and named after Frederick, Prince of Wales (son of King George II).
Adjacent to Spotsylvania County (named after Royal Lieutenant Governor Spotwood).
Fredericksburg is the 40th largest city by population in Virginia and is located about 48 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 53 miles north of Richmond.
The now-extinct Manahoac tribe initially inhabited Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
Several residents of Fredericksburg played critical roles during the American Revolution, such as naval war hero John Paul Jones (“Father of the American Navy”).
The city was a vital port city during the American Civil War and the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg (fought between December 11 and 15, 1862), as it was halfway between the Union and Confederate capitals, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, respectively.
During the battle, about 10,000 enslaved Black people fled north across the Rappahannock River into Stafford County, VA, to gain freedom, as the Union Army already occupied the county.
Today, the city’s economy relies significantly on tourism, as its historic sites and museums draw over 1.5 million visitors annually.
GEICO and the Mary Washington Healthcare System are two of the Fredericksburg’s largest employers.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 18% of the population living in Fredericksburg is considered below the poverty line, which is almost 70% higher than the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
While the poverty rate is among the highest, over the last decade in Fredericksburg, VA, the median income by population has continued to improve, with only 2019 being a down year.
What is the crime rate in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Fredericksburg, VA Is 46.47
For every 1,000 people living in Fredericksburg, Virginia, 50.67 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Fredericksburg’s Violent Crime Rate Is 4.37
The violent crime rate in Fredericksburg is 4.37; for every 1,000 people living in Fredericksburg, 4.37 violent crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Fredericksburg’s Property Crime Rate Is 42.1
The property crime rate in Fredericksburg is 42.1; for every 1,000 people living in Fredericksburg, 42.1 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Fredericksburg Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 28,757
- Total Violent Crimes: 121
- Total Property Crimes: 1,165
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 4.21
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 40.5
Most Dangerous Areas In Fredericksburg
- Braehead Woods
- Highland Homes
- College Terrace
- Downtown Fredericksburg
- Village of Idlewild
- Grafton Village
Safest Neighborhoods In Fredericksburg
- Mineral Springs Plantation
- Sylvester Reed Estate
- Lancaster Gate
- Queens Guard
- University of Mary Washington
- Bel Plains Estates
- Regency At Chancellorsville
- Estate Of Chancellorsville
- The Oaks At Chancellor
- Red Rose Village
- Lee’s Hill
Emporia
Nicknamed “E-Town,” Emporia, Virginia, is an independent city that serves as the county seat for adjacent Greensville County and is also the third smallest city in Virginia, with a population of 5,199.
The city was founded in 1887 when the towns of Hicksford and Belfield consolidated. Initially considered a town, Emporia later achieved its city status in 1967 when the Virginia General Assembly recharted it as an independent city.
Located 78 miles west of Norfolk and 14 miles north of the Virginia and North Carolina State Line, Emporia is a transportation hub crossed by U.S. Route 58, U.S. Route 301, and Interstate 95 (the primary north-south interstate highway on the East Coast of the United States).
Several prominent athletes, including former NBA basketball player Bryant Stith, are natives of Emporia.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 17.3% of the population in Emporia lives below the poverty line, which is more than 63% higher than the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
The disparity between the median household income in Emporia and the rest of Virginia is drastic. Emporia’s median household income is $41,442, which is less than half of Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873.
The high poverty rate and the very low median household income are factors contributing to the high crime rate in Emporia.
What is the crime rate in Emporia, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Emporia Is 44.43
For every 1,000 people living in Emporia, Virginia, 40.83 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Emporia’s Violent Crime Rate Is 4.81
The violent crime rate in Emporia is 4.81; for every 1,000 people living in Emporia, 4.42 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Emporia’s Property Crime Rate Is 39.62
The property crime rate in Emporia is 36.41; for every 1,000 people living in Emporia, 36.41 property crimes are reported to law enforcement each year.
Emporia Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 5,199
- Total Violent Crimes: 25
- Total Property Crimes: 206
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 4.81
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 39.62
Most Dangerous Areas In Emporia
- Skippers
- City Center
- North Emporia
Safest Neighborhoods In Emporia
- Kingsberry
- Durand (unincorporated community west of Emporia)
Charlottesville
Founded in 1762, Charlottesville is an independent city located in the heart of Virginia among rolling hills and is named after Queen Charlotte (wife of King George III and Queen of Great Britain and Ireland).
Located about 73 miles northwest of Norfolk, Charlottesville serves as the county seat of the adjacent Albemarle County and is the 20th largest city in Virginia by population.
James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, both Founding Fathers and U.S. Presidents, had homes in Charlottesville and lived there during their terms.
Following the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction period, segregation and Jim Crow laws, along with multiple Ku Klux Klan chapters in the area, made life particularly difficult for Black residents of Charlottesville over the next 100 years.
In 1965, the Charlottesville City Government tore down the predominantly African American neighborhood of Vinegar Hill.
One hundred thirty homes, a church, and five Black-owned businesses were completely destroyed as part of the “urban renewal project.” The land lay undeveloped for over a decade following the razing of the properties. The Omni Charlottesville Hotel now stands on the site.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 23.1% of the population living in Fredericksburg is considered below the poverty line, which is more than double the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
The University of Virginia Medical Center is the largest employer of Charlottesville residents.
Income inequality, a long history of segregated schools, and other forms of systemic racism are contributing factors to Charlottesville’s high levels of crime.
What is the crime rate in Charlottesville, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Charlottesville, VA, Is 39.51
For every 1,000 people living in Charlottesville, Virginia, 39.51 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Charlottesville’s Violent Crime Rate Is 5.4
The violent crime rate in Charlottesville is 5.4; for every 1,000 people living in Charlottesville, 4.87 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Charlottesville’s Property Crime Rate Is 34.11
The property crime rate in Charlottesville is 34.11; for every 1,000 people living in Charlottesville, 34.11 property crimes are reported to the city’s police department each year.
Charlottesville Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 46,289
- Total Violent Crimes: 250
- Total Property Crimes: 1,579
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 5.4
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 34.11
Most Dangerous Areas In Charlottesville
- Pantops
- Dunlora Dr / Dunlora Farm Rd
- Berkeley
- The Collective On Commonwealth
- Barracks West
- Canterbury Hills
Safest Neighborhoods In Charlottesville Area
- Blenheim
- Overton
- Proffit
- Eastham
- Key West
- Ivy
- Greenbrier
- Locust Grove
- Hollymead
Galax
Founded in 1953, Galax, Virginia, is an independent city adjacent to Grayson and Carroll counties located in southwest Virginia (94 miles southwest of Roanoke).
Its name comes from the evergreen groundcover plant Galax urceolate, commonly found in the surrounding area and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Manufacturers like Vaughan-Bassett Furniture are major employers in Galax and have faced economic issues over the past couple of decades due to the United States’ trade policy with China, which makes it challenging to compete.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 22.4% of the people in Galax live below the poverty line, which is more than two times the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
The high poverty rate is made worse by Galax’s low median household income of $44,612 per year, which is just over half of Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873.
What is the crime rate in Galax, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Galax Is 39.51
For every 1,000 people living in Galax, Virginia, 41.15 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Galax’s Violent Crime Rate Is 2.67
The violent crime rate in Galax is 2.67; for every 1,000 people living in Galax, 2.67 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Galax’s Property Crime Rate Is 38.48
The property crime rate in Galax is 38.48; for every 1,000 people living in Galax, 38.48 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Galax Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 6,730
- Total Violent Crimes: 18
- Total Property Crimes: 259
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 2.67
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 38.48
Most Dangerous Areas In Galax
- Cliffview
- City Center
- West Galax
Safest Neighborhoods In the Galax Area
- Byllesby
- Ivanhoe
- Woodlawn (Census-designated place in Carroll County, VA)
- Baywood (unincorporated community in Grayson County, VA)
Franklin
First incorporated as a town in 1876, Franklin, Virginia, is the southeasternmost independent city in Virginia (42.9 miles southwest of Norfolk by car) and is named after Benjamin Franklin. It is adjacent to Southampton County.
The city’s history dates back to the 1830s when it served as a vital railroad stop along the Blackwater River, used to transport goods across the border into North Carolina.
The modern-day economy in Franklin is heavily focused on agriculture and manufacturing.
Franklin became a major exporting point for peanuts, also known as the “ground pea,” in the late 1800s, and today, Southampton County leads the state of Virginia in peanut production.
Approximately 1,100 Franklin residents lost their jobs when International Paper closed its mill in May 2010, which is indicative of the economic challenges faced by manufacturers in the area.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 22.4% of the people in the city of Franklin live below the poverty line, which is more than two times the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
In addition to having a high poverty rate, Franklin’s median household income of $57,373 per year is low, which is $28,500 less than Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873. Economic challenges such as these contribute to Franklin having a higher rate of crime.
What is the crime rate in Franklin, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Franklin, VA, Is 38.56
For every 1,000 people living in Franklin, Virginia, 38.56 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Franklin’s Violent Crime Rate Is 5.46
The violent crime rate in Franklin is 5.46; for every 1,000 people living in Galax, 5.46 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Franklin’s Property Crime Rate Is 33.1
The property crime rate in Franklin is 33.1; for every 1,000 people living in Franklin, 33.1 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Franklin Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 8,247
- Total Violent Crimes: 45
- Total Property Crimes: 273
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 5.46
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 33.1
Most Dangerous Areas In Franklin
- Kingdale
- Morton Street
- City Center of Franklin
Safest Neighborhoods In the Franklin Area
- Hunterdale
- Mechanicsville, VA
- Southampton Meadows (mobile home community)
Richmond
Founded in 1737, Richmond is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia and has been an independent city since 1871.
It is the fifth largest city by population in Virginia and is located on the James River fall line. From a roadway perspective, the city of Richmond is located at the intersection of I-95 and I-64.
Richmond played an important role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War.
In 1775, Patrick Henry made his well-known “Give me liberty, or give me death” address at St. John’s Church in Richmond, significantly impacting Virginia’s involvement in the First Continental Congress and the overall direction of the American Revolution.
Five days following the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter at the start of the Civil War, the Virginia legislature decided to secede from the United States and join the newly formed Confederate States of America on April 17, 1861.
The secession was formalized when the Confederacy pledged to relocate its national capital to Richmond from Montgomery, Alabama.
During the war, Richmond housed local, state, and national Confederate government offices, hospitals, a railroad hub, and one of the largest slave markets in the country.
Richmond’s economy is predominantly driven by law, finance, and government sectors. The downtown area contains federal, state, and local governmental agencies, along with prominent legal and banking firms.
Some of the Fortune 500 companies based in the greater metropolitan area of Richmond include:
- Performance Food Group
- GPM Investments (owns and runs convenience stores like E-Z Mart)
- Owens & Minor (global healthcare logistics company)
- CarMax (used motor-vehicle retailer)
According to the United States Census Bureau, 19.5% of Richmond’s residents live below the poverty line, which, although improving over the past decade, is still almost double the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
In addition to its high poverty rate, Richmond’s median household income is $59,606, which is over $26,000 less than Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873.
Income disparity among races and poverty are contributing factors to Richmond’s higher-than-average rate of crime.
What is the crime rate in Richmond, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Richmond, VA, Is 38.06
For every 1,000 people living in Richmond, Virginia, 38.06 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Richmond’s Violent Crime Rate Is 3.72
The violent crime rate in Richmond is 3.72; for every 1,000 people living in Richmond, 3.72 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Richmond’s Property Crime Rate Is 34.34
The property crime rate in Richmond is 34.34; for every 1,000 people living in Richmond, 34.34 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Richmond Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 230,346
- Total Violent Crimes: 857
- Total Property Crimes: 7,912
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 3.72
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 34.34
Most Dangerous Areas In Richmond
- Meadowbrook
- Downtown Richmond
- Jackson Ward
- Fayette Park
- Belfair Townhouses
- Heckler Village
- Manchester West
- Bellemeade
- Hillside Court
Safest Neighborhoods In the Richmond Area
- Windsor Farms
- Woodland Heights
- The Fan District
- Huguenot
- Church Hill South
- Carillon / Stadium
- Stratford Hills
- Logal Street Bon Air / Buford Oaks
- Edgewood
- Westover Hills
Hopewell
Incorporated in 1916, Hopewell, Virginia, an independent city within the Commonwealth of Virginia, is situated at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers.
Originally known as “City Point,” it served as the headquarters for Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864 and 1865 towards the end of the Civil War.
Hopewell’s industrial growth surged in the early 20th century with the influx of European immigrants seeking to fill manufacturing jobs, which was when the city got its nickname “Wonder City,” as it grew from having a population of 400 to 20,000 in a mere few months.
Black people in Hopewell faced Jim Crow laws and segregation until the success of the Civil Rights Movement, as was the case with Hopewell’s Beacon Theatre, which only allowed Blacks to sit in its balcony section.
Hopewell has also been the site of toxic chemical dumping.
Allied Signal and their subcontractor, LifeSciences manufactured and dumped Kepone insecticide, a toxic chemical, into the James River between 1966 and 1975 before being shut down by the state health department.
Fishing in the James River between Richmond and Chesapeake Bay is banned for fear of contamination dangers.
Several large chemical and ethanol plants still operate in the area, including sites owned by Honeywell, Evonik Industries, Ashland, and Green Plains, Inc.
In 1983, Hopewell made headlines in the national news when the story of what happened to an older woman, Evelyn Rust Wells, who lived in the City Point area. She had been confined and terrorized in her home in the City Point area by a group.
Wells’ captors, primarily male teenagers under 18 years old, were cashing her Social Security checks at nearby grocery stores.
A local grocer contacted the authorities after noticing there was a higher purchase volume when the neighborhood kids helped Wells shop. Upon investigation, law enforcement rescued Wells, who had suffered severe malnourishment while being held captive.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 21.3% of Hopewell’s residents live below the poverty line, which, although improving over the past decade, is double the state of Virginia’s poverty rate of 10.6%.
In addition to its high poverty rate, Hopewell’s median household income is $50,661, which is over $35,000 less than Virginia’s statewide median household income of $85,873.
Poverty and a history of racial inequality are contributing factors to Hopewell, Virginia’s worse-than-average crime rate.
What is the crime rate in Hopewell, Virginia?
The Total Crime Rate In Hopewell, VA, Is 26.08
For every 1,000 people living in Hopewell, Virginia, 26.08 crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement annually.
Hopewell’s Violent Crime Rate Is 5.57
The violent crime rate in Hopewell is 5.57; for every 1,000 people living in Hopewell, 5.57 violent crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Hopewell’s Property Crime Rate Is 20.51
The property crime rate in Hopewell is 20.51; for every 1,000 people living in Hopewell, 20.51 property crimes are reported to the city’s law enforcement each year.
Hopewell Crime Rate Stats
- Population: 22,962
- Total Violent Crimes: 128
- Total Property Crimes: 471
- Violent Crimes per 1000 persons: 5.57
- Property Crimes per 1000 persons: 20.51
Most Dangerous Areas In Hopewell
- Hopewell Marina
- Kenwood Heights
- City Point
- Highland Park
- Beachwood Manor
Safest Neighborhoods In the Hopewell Area
- Ward 4
- Cedar Level
- Enon, VA
Now that we have completed our list of the most dangerous cities in Virginia let’s name the ten cities in Virginia that are the safest to live in for good measure.
Safest Cities in Virginia
According to reports published by Safewise, the safest Virginian cities are:
- Bridgewater
- Purcellville
- Lexington
- Vienna
- Blacksburg
- Poquoson
- Dumfries
- Bedford
- Buena Vista
- Strasburg
Reasons Why Some Areas In Virginia Have a High Crime Rate
Although the reason why some places in Virginia are more dangerous than others is complicated, it can be attributed to a handful of common themes and a mix of factors.
High poverty rates and racial inequality are two of them. Sociologists report that inflation and higher unemployment rates correlate with rising crime.
Like all states in the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a governor, currently Glenn Youngkin, who has significant sway over the state’s law and order policies.
Virginia Governer’s Stance On Crime:
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering the circumstances of the crimes committed by convicted felons when deciding whether or not to restore their civil right to vote after serving their time.
The administration has indicated a reluctance to quickly restore voting rights to individuals who used firearms in their crimes. However, there is a general inclination, though not absolute, to restore rights to those who committed nonviolent offenses.
This shift from a partly automatic restoration system used by previous governors has led to scrutiny and lawsuits, with critics arguing the process lacks transparency and could lead to discrimination.
Virginia State Crime Commission
One way the government aims to mitigate crime is by understanding it better. That is the purpose of the Virginia State Crime Commission.
It’s the a state agency in Virginia, responsible for studying and recommending improvements to the state’s criminal justice system.
Its primary objective is to analyze crime-related issues and propose policies and legislation to enhance public safety and ensure justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The commission conducts research, gathers data, and consults with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, judicial officials, policymakers, and community organizations, to address emerging challenges in the criminal justice system.
It also provides valuable information and resources to lawmakers to aid in the development of effective crime prevention strategies and legislation, similar to how the NTSB does after investigating the cause of a plane crash or helicopter accident event.
In Conclusion About the 10 Most Dangerous Places In Virginia
Our team at Express Legal Funding hopes you found this a valuable top-ten list article about the crime rate in Virginia and its most dangerous cities and areas to live in.
We want to leave you with these last thoughts on the topic:
Understanding the crime rates and varying demographics of Virginia cities is crucial for making informed decisions about personal safety and well-being, including where it is best for you and your family to live.
Ultimately, the goal should be for citizens, community leaders, police officers, and state legislators to work together toward creating safer regional and local communities for all residents in Virginia.
That begins with elected officials acknowledging that some areas are suffering from a higher volume of crime and being willing to work with others whose opinions and beliefs differ. Although it’s easier said than done, we should not lose hope.
Although based in Texas, the Express Legal Funding team, including Author and Strategy Director Aaron R Winston, has personal experience traveling and visiting many cities and states across the Southeast United States.
Not to mention that Express Legal Funding has a strong history as a company providing its pre-settlement funding service to Virginian clients, who are being represented by many of today’s top Virginia law firms and many types of lawyers spanning hundreds of miles across “Old Dominion.”
About the Author
Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
Each month, tens of thousands of web visitors read his articles and posts. Aaron's thoroughly researched guides are among the most-read lawsuit funding articles over the past year.
As Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding, Aaron has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for the consumer. His "it factor" is that he is a tireless and inventive thought leader who has made great strides by conveying his legal knowledge and diverse expertise to the public. More clients and lawyers understand the facts about pre-settlement funding because of Aaron's legal and financial service SEO mastery.
Aaron Winston is the author of A Word For The Wise. A Warning For The Stupid. Canons of Conduct, which is a book in poetry format. It consists of 35 unique canons. The book was published in 2023.
He keeps an academic approach to business that improves the consumer's well-being. In early 2022, Aaron gained the Search Engine Optimization and the Google Ads LinkedIn skills assessment badges. He placed in the top 5% of those who took the SEO skills test assessment.
Aaron's company slogans and lawsuit funding company name are registered trademarks of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has gained positive notoriety via interviews and case studies, which are a byproduct of his successes. Aaron R. Winston was featured in a smith.ai interview (2021) and a company growth case study (2022).
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Aaron was born in Lubbock, TX, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Aaron attended Akiba Academy of Dallas, TX.
