Virginia Beach city Crime & Safety

Virginia Beach city, Virginia

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1849.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

96.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1752.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#94

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Virginia Beach city, Virginia

Virginia Beach Beats National Averages

Virginia Beach boasts a strong safety score of 97.1, indicating it is safer than many large American cities. Its total crime rate of 1,849.1 per 100,000 is notably lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

How Virginia Beach Ranks in Virginia

The city's total crime rate of 1,849.1 is higher than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. However, its safety score of 97.1 aligns closely with the state average of 97.3, showcasing strong overall security.

Coastal Comparisons and Regional Data

While Virginia Beach reports 1,849.1 crimes per 100,000, users should note this data comes from a single reporting agency. This rate is higher than Westmoreland County but remains very competitive for a major metropolitan hub.

Low Violent Crime Rates Stand Out

The city maintains an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 96.3 per 100,000, which is less than half the state average. Property crime accounts for nearly all local activity at 1,752.8 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Simple Precautions for Coastal Living

Since property crime is the main concern, staying vigilant about locking vehicles and doors is essential. Modern smart home features can provide peace of mind in this high-density coastal area.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Virginia Beach city. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Virginia Beach city residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Virginia Beach city, VA?

Virginia Beach city has a total crime rate of 1849.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (96.3 per 100K) and property crimes (1752.8 per 100K).

Is Virginia Beach city, VA safe?

Virginia Beach city has a safety score of 25/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #94 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Virginia Beach city crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Virginia Beach city?

How is crime data measured and reported for Virginia Beach city?

Crime data for Virginia Beach city comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Virginia Beach city?

Virginia Beach city has a safety score of 25/100, which is below the Virginia average of 39/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.