Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia
Virginia, a state steeped in history and natural beauty, also has its share of areas with higher crime rates. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in Virginia, we delve into the crime statistics to provide an overview of safety conditions in these cities. Please note that crime statistics can change over time, and this list is based on data available until September 2021.
1. Richmond
Richmond, VA
Richmond, the state's capital, continues to grapple with high crime rates. In 2021, it reported a significant number of murders per person, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia. Additionally, Richmond had the highest number of violent crimes per person, including murders, rapes, assaults, and robberies. While its property crime rate ranked slightly lower among the top 10 cities, a higher percentage of crimes in Richmond were violent, including a disturbingly high number of murders.
2. Norfolk
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, while not having the highest number of violent crimes or murders, still posed a higher overall risk of crime to its residents, with a 1 in 19 chance of being a victim. This higher likelihood is primarily due to Norfolk's elevated number of property crimes per person, ranking fourth in the state. Additionally, Norfolk had the third-highest number of murders and the third-highest number of violent crimes per person.
3. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, situated opposite Norfolk, shares a similar level of crime risk. The key difference is Portsmouth's high number of property crimes, ranking second in the state. This resulted in residents having a 1 in 18 chance of being a crime victim.
4. Roanoke
Roanoke, VA
Roanoke, though slightly further down the list, still poses a significant risk of crime, with a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim. The city had the second-highest number of violent crimes per person in the state and ranked seventh in murders. Additionally, Roanoke had a high number of property crimes per person, ranking third in this category.
5. Petersburg
Petersburg, VA
While Petersburg had a relatively lower number of property crimes, it still had a high overall crime rate, with a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim. The city's major concern was its fourth-highest number of violent crimes per person, including the second-highest number of murders, with 15 per 100,000 residents in 2012.
6. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg ranked eighth in the category of violent crimes and was the ninth highest for its number of murders per person. It also ranked ninth for both property crimes and overall crimes, giving residents a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim in 2012.
7. Hopewell
Hopewell, VA
In 2012, Hopewell had the seventh-highest number of murders per person in Virginia. It also had a notable number of both property and violent crimes, ranking 10th in each category. Property crimes primarily consisted of thefts, while violent crimes included various assaults.
8. Bristol
Bristol, VA
Bristol had the fourth-highest number of murders per person in 2012 and remained one of the most dangerous places in Virginia. To put this into perspective, Bristol had a murder rate of .00011 per person, significantly higher than in many other cities analyzed.
9. Danville
Danville, VA
In 2012, Danville had the fifth-highest number of property crimes per person, contributing to its high overall crime rate. Most of these property crimes were thefts, and the city also had the 11th highest number of murders and the 14th highest number of violent crimes per person.
10. Newport News
Newport News, VA
Newport News had the fourth-highest number of murders per person in the state and ranked ninth in the overall category of violent crime. While most violent crimes were assaults, the city also reported a significant number of robberies and rapes per 100,000 residents.