Virginia Beach, situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Virginia, is a major coastal destination known for its boardwalk, oceanfront, and proximity to Chesapeake VA, and other cities near Virginia Beach. With a land area of about 2,083 square miles, it’s one of Virginia’s largest cities by area.
But is Virginia Beach safe? When considering the crime rate in Virginia Beach, you’ll be happy to know that Virginia Beach ranks well in terms of safety. According to WTKR, violent crime in 2024 dropped to its lowest level in five years, while property crime also declined by about 4%.
If you’re moving to the city, assessing the crime rate in Virginia Beach is essential. Crime patterns vary widely by neighborhood, and understanding local criminal activity by square mile or ZIP code can make a big difference in your sense of security. Different communities show significantly different levels of offenses, making local detail crucial. That’s why many ask, “How safe is Virginia Beach?” Ultimately, the answer often depends on where you live and where you visit within the city.
So, let’s dive into the essential information you need to know about the Virginia Beach crime rate, so you can settle into your new home and enjoy the Virginia Beach weather, community, and friendly residents.
Understanding the Virginia Beach Crime Rate – How Are Crime Rates Calculated?
What is the crime rate in Virginia Beach? Before we dive into the Virginia Beach crime rate, it’s important to know how crime rates are calculated in the first place. The Virginia Beach crime rate is reported by the FBI and is based on crime data that is given to them by local law enforcement agencies. After the data is analyzed, it is reported with an overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate. It’s then often compared to the national average as well as the overall Virginia crime rate.
To get the final crime rate, the FBI will take the total number of crimes committed in an area and then divide it by the population. Then, the numbers are multiplied by 1,000, which is why you see crime rates reported as “X number of crimes per 100,000 people.”
The Virginia Beach crime rate is a good way to get an overall idea of crime in the city; however, these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. According to CNN, many crime statistics lack context. For example, homicide rates seem high at the moment; however, they are still far lower than when they were at their highest in the 1980s and 1990s. So, rates are actually decreasing over time.
Additionally, crime rates do not differentiate between neighborhoods. In many cities, the level of crime in different neighborhoods (or even different streets) can be drastically different. Because of this, one small area with a lot of crime can drive up the crime rate for the entire city, causing it to look more dangerous than it is.
What Is the Virginia Beach Crime Rate?
So, what is the Virginia Beach crime rate? Let’s take a look at the Virginia Beach crime rate as well as how it compares to the state and national average.
National Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,324 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 370 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,954 property crimes per 100,000 people
Virginia Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,930 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 234 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,696 crimes per 100,000 people
Virginia Beach Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,698 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 87 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,611 crimes per 100,000 people
As you can see, the Virginia Beach crime rate is well below both the state and national averages.
Virginia Beach Crime Map & Crime Reports
While the Virginia Beach crime rate is helpful to know, it’s also important to check out additional Virginia Beach crime statistics and data, as well as Virginia Beach crime reports and crime maps. You can view crimes as they happen with resources like the LexisNexis crime map. This crime map will break down offenses, telling you when they occur and which areas to avoid.
You can also download apps such as Citizen, which reports crimes as they happen.
Another way to better understand the Virginia Beach crime rate is to take a look at a crime heat map. This allows you to view crime in certain neighborhoods compared to others. The crime map below represents the volume of crime in Virginia Beach. The darker areas represent higher-crime areas, while the lighter areas represent places that see little to no crime at all. As you can see, most of the crime in Virginia Beach is concentrated in a few small areas, likely where nightlife and gang activity are higher.
Violent Crime in Virginia Beach
Violent crime makes up a solid part of the Virginia Beach crime rate. Violent crime includes murder, aggravated assault, rape, battery, kidnapping, and Virginia Beach shootings.
Virginia Beach Violent Crime Rate:
- Overall violent crime rate: 87 crimes per 100,000 people (62.8% lower than state average and 76.5% lower than national average)
- Virginia Beach homicide rate: 5 per 100,000 people
- Virginia Beach murders by year (2022): 21
- Chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Virginia Beach: 1 in 1,144
Violent crime in Virginia Beach is well below both the state and national average. According to the City of Virginia, of the 7,977 crimes that occurred in 2024, only 5.5% were violent. In fact, violent crimes are down 22.3% compared to 2023 and down 21% compared to the previous three year average. This made 2024 the lowest year for violent crimes in over five years.
Additionally, shooting incidents decreased by 49% in 2024, and shooting victims decreased by 56%. On the same trend, the Virginia Beach homicide rate fell by 46% in 2024, from 24 to 13.
Property Crime in Virginia Beach
Property crime makes up the majority of the Virginia Beach crime rate. Property crime includes incidents like motor vehicle theft, robbery, burglary, larceny, vandalism, shoplifting, and carjacking.
Virginia Beach Property Crime Rate:
- Overall property crime rate: 1,611 crimes per 100,000 people (5.0% lower than state average and 17.6% lower than national average)
- Total property crimes in Virginia Beach: 7,369
- Chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Virginia Beach: 1 in 62
Property crime in Virginia Beach is well below both the state and national averages. Similar to violent crime trends, property crime is also on the decline in Virginia Beach. Larcenies from motor vehicles are down 27%, and motor vehicle theft is down 27% – the lowest number each category has been in five years.
Areas to Avoid in Virginia Beach | Worst Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
While the Virginia Beach crime rate is low, there are a few areas to take more caution in. The Oceanfront District, home to the iconic boardwalk and Virginia Beach Aquarium, has the highest crime rate in Virginia Beach. This is largely due to the heavy tourist traffic and dense housing, keeping criminal activity higher in the area.
Additionally, the Green Run area and broader North Central and Northeast quadrants of the city consistently show up as hotspots in crime rankings. The Northeast section of Virginia Beach has a crime rate that is 193% higher than the Virginia Beach average, while North Central has a crime rate that is 166% higher. Gang-related activity is higher in this area, and it’s known for aggravated assaults, carjackings, and general property crime.
Safest Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach safe? Virginia Beach is generally safe, especially in areas where the Virginia Beach crime rate is lower. There are a few neighborhoods where your chances of becoming a victim of crime are lower.
Great Neck is one of the safest neighborhoods in the area, and it is located on a peninsula in north Virginia Beach. Residents here enjoy a tight-knit community and quality schools like Great Neck Middle and Princess Anne High School. Crime remains low, and most incidents are minor property crime offenses.
Another one of Virginia Beach’s safest neighborhoods is Kempsville. Crime here is minimal, particularly violent offenses, with most incidents limited to minor property theft. The presence of active neighborhood watch groups, mature residential areas, and a strong police presence contributes to its reputation.
Virginia Beach Safety Tips – How to Avoid Crime in Virginia Beach
Even though the Virginia Beach crime rate is low, it’s important to do what you can to stay safe. Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your property safe.
- Make sure you are locking your doors and windows
- Increase lighting around your home
- Be aware of your surroundings on public transit
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles
- Walk in groups when possible
- Park in well-lit, populated areas
- Avoid flashy displays of wealth
- Don’t walk alone at night (if possible)
Virginia Beach Police Department
The Virginia Beach crime rate is managed by the Virginia Beach Police Department. With a history dating back over 400 years, the Virginia Beach Police Department has over 800 sworn officers and civilians.
The current Virginia Beach Police Chief is Paul Deudigate, who was sworn in in 2020. Deudigate has worked with a focus on reducing shooting violence, embracing technology as a force multiplier, enhancing employee wellness, and nurturing police-youth community relations.
Virginia Beach police reports are public information, and you can request a report via the department’s website at any time.
Virginia Beach Police Department, 2509 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, (757) 385-4377
Virginia Beach Crime Rate FAQs
Is Virginia Beach Safe?
Yes, Virginia Beach is a safe place to live. The Virginia Beach crime rate is well below the state and national average.
What Is the Virginia Beach Crime Rate?
The Virginia Beach crime rate is 1,698 crimes per 100,000 people.
Is Virginia Beach Dangerous?
While there is some crime in Virginia Beach, the area is not dangerous.
Is Virginia Beach a Safe Place to Live for Families?
Yes, Virginia Beach is a safe place to live for families, with plenty of fantastic neighborhoods to choose from.
What Is the Virginia Beach Murder Rate?
The Virginia Beach murder rate is 5 per 100,000 people.
Let Off Load Moving Help You With Your Move
So, is Virginia Beach safe? With a lower-than-average Virginia Beach crime rate, Virginia Beach is very safe! If you’re ready to move to the area, then it’s time to connect with Virginia Beach real estate agents and reliable Virginia Beach movers. Off Load Moving is ready to make your move a great one from start to finish. To discuss your move and receive a free quote, give our team a call at (757) 749-7212.
