Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia: 2025 Update

Virginia is known for its rich history, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and vibrant communities. But for families, travelers, and potential new residents, safety is paramount. While many parts of the state are exceptionally safe, certain cities face significant challenges with crime.

This guide provides a data-driven look at the 10 most dangerous cities in Virginia for 2025. We'll go beyond simple lists to analyze the numbers, explore the types of crime that are most prevalent, and offer actionable advice for keeping your home and loved ones secure.

Is Virginia a Safe State to Live in?

Yes, overall, Virginia is a relatively safe state. According to the latest FBI data, Virginia's statewide violent crime rate is approximately 2.3 incidents per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.8 per 1,000.

However, statewide averages can be misleading. Crime is highly localized, and rates can vary dramatically from one city to another. While many suburban and rural areas boast exceptional safety records, a handful of urban centers struggle with higher rates of both violent and property crime, which is what this list will explore.

Our Ranking Methodology

To create this list, we analyzed the most recent crime statistics from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and data synthesized by sources like NeighborhoodScout. Our ranking is primarily based on the violent crime rate per 1,000 residents. This metric includes offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, providing a clear measure of personal danger. We also consider the property crime rate for additional context.

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Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia: City Rankings

Here is the breakdown of the Virginia cities with the highest violent crime rates.

1. Portsmouth

• Violent Crime Rate: 11.2 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 35.5 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 89

Portsmouth consistently ranks as Virginia's most dangerous city due to a violent crime rate that is nearly five times the state average. The city grapples with high rates of aggravated assault and robbery. Its strategic location as a port city unfortunately also contributes to challenges related to transient populations and illicit trade.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: With a high risk of both personal and property crime, a comprehensive system is key. The Kangaroo Complete Protect Plan offers 24/7 professional monitoring to dispatch authorities quickly, providing critical backup in an emergency.

2. Roanoke

• Violent Crime Rate: 9.8 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 41.1 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 102

Known as the "Star City of the South," Roanoke faces significant safety challenges. Its violent crime rate is alarmingly high, but its property crime rate is also one of the highest in the state. Economic distress in certain neighborhoods is a major contributing factor to these statistics.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: Roanoke's high property crime rate makes securing your home essential. A Kangaroo Video Doorbell and Outdoor Camera can help deter package thieves and burglars, providing video evidence for any incidents.

3. Petersburg

• Violent Crime Rate: 9.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 39.0 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 109

Petersburg, a city with a rich Civil War history, struggles with modern-day crime driven by poverty and economic challenges. The city has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the state, alongside significant issues with assault and robbery.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: In areas with high violent crime, knowing who is entering your home is non-negotiable. Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensors provide instant alerts to your phone the moment a door or window is opened, giving you an immediate warning of unauthorized access.

4. Richmond

• Violent Crime Rate: 6.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 30.2 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 153

As Virginia's capital and a major economic hub, Richmond's crime is a tale of two cities. While many neighborhoods are safe and thriving, certain areas, particularly in the city center and specific neighborhoods, struggle with high rates of assault and robbery. Motor vehicle theft is also a notable concern.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: To combat vehicle break-ins and theft in areas like Richmond, parking in a secured garage is best. For home, an Outdoor Camera monitoring the driveway provides a powerful deterrent and record of any activity.

5. Norfolk

• Violent Crime Rate: 6.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 29.8 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 163

Home to the world's largest naval base, Norfolk's large, dense, and often transient population contributes to its elevated crime rates. While lower than Portsmouth's, the rates of robbery and property crime, especially larceny and theft, remain a significant concern for residents.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: Larceny is the most common crime in Norfolk. A Kangaroo Motion Sensor placed inside your home or garage can trigger an audible alarm and send an alert to your phone, scaring off intruders before they can take your belongings.

6. Newport News

• Violent Crime Rate: 5.8 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 25.1 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 172

Located on the Virginia Peninsula, Newport News has crime rates that are well above both state and national averages. While its shipbuilding industry provides economic stability, certain districts face high concentrations of both violent and property-related offenses.

7. Emporia

• Violent Crime Rate: 5.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 51.5 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 181

For its small size, the independent city of Emporia has a shockingly high property crime rate—the highest on this list. While violent crime is also a concern, the extreme risk of theft and burglary makes it a challenging place for residents to feel secure.

8. Franklin

• Violent Crime Rate: 5.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 31.7 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 196

Similar to Emporia, Franklin is a small city with a disproportionately high crime rate. Both violent and property crimes occur at a rate more than double the state average, impacting the community's overall sense of safety.

9. Fredericksburg

• Violent Crime Rate: 4.2 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 33.4 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 238

While historically considered safer, Fredericksburg has seen a noticeable increase in crime, particularly property crime. Its growing population and location along the I-95 corridor have contributed to a rise in theft and burglary, landing it on this list.

10. Chesapeake

• Violent Crime Rate: 3.9 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 19.8 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 256

Though Chesapeake is the safest city on this list, its violent crime rate is still above the state average. As one of Virginia's largest cities by land area, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Pockets of the city experience higher rates of theft and assault, warranting caution.

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A Glimpse at the Other End: Virginia's Safest Cities

To provide balance, it's important to recognize the communities with exceptionally low crime rates. Based on the same data, some of the safest cities in Virginia include:

• Leesburg

• Blacksburg

• Vienna

• Falls Church

• Poquoson

These cities demonstrate that low crime and a high quality of life are the norm in many parts of the state.

10 Actionable Safety Tips for Virginia Residents

1. Research Specific Neighborhoods: Before moving, use tools like NeighborhoodScout to check crime maps for the specific streets you're considering, not just the city-wide average.

2. Invest in Visible Security: A visible Video Doorbell or Outdoor Camera is a powerful deterrent. Criminals look for easy targets, and a camera signals that your home is a hard one.

3. Secure Your Vehicle: Always lock your car doors and never leave valuables (or even bags) in plain sight. This is crucial in cities with high property crime like Roanoke and Emporia.

4. Know Your Neighbors: A connected community is a safer community. Join a neighborhood watch group or simply build relationships with those living around you so you can look out for one another.

5. Use Smart Lighting: Motion-activated floodlights for your driveway, porch, and backyard can startle potential intruders and eliminate the cover of darkness.

6. Fortify Entry Points: A surprising number of burglaries are non-forced entries. Reinforce door frames, install deadbolts, and ensure all windows have working locks.

7. Stay Alert in Public: When in high-traffic urban areas like Richmond or Norfolk, be aware of your surroundings, keep your phone out of sight, and secure your purse or wallet to prevent opportunistic theft.

8. Get Instant Intrusion Alerts: Don't wait to come home to a disaster. Simple, affordable Motion + Entry Sensors can send an instant alert to your phone the second a breach occurs.

9. Protect Against Water Damage: Safety isn't just about crime. A Water + Climate Sensor can prevent thousands in damage by alerting you to a leak or dangerous temperature drop, whether you're home or away.

10. Add Professional Monitoring: For the ultimate peace of mind, especially in higher-risk areas like Portsmouth, a professionally monitored security plan ensures that emergency services are contacted on your behalf, 24/7.

Kangaroo Home Security For Virginians: Smart, Simple, Affordable

Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet town, Kangaroo makes home security accessible for everyone.

• Affordable for All: Protect your home for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a month.

• Easy DIY Installation: No tools or technicians needed. Set up your entire system in minutes.

• Complete Protection: From doorbell cameras to entry sensors and 24/7 professional monitoring, build the system that's right for you.

• Save on Insurance: Our plans can help you qualify for discounts on your homeowners or renters insurance. With our Complete Protect Plan, you also get up to $1,000 in theft and damage reimbursement.

Kangaroo Protect Plans: Comprehensive Coverage and Insurance Savings for Virginians

• If you install and subscribe to Kangaroo's Camera Protect Plan or Complete Protect Plan, you'll receive comprehensive coverage for your home security needs. The Camera Protect Plan includes features such as 30-day cloud storage for recorded video footage, enabling you to review and save important events. This includes the $250 Theft + Damage Reimbursement.

• The Complete Protect Plan expands on these benefits by providing additional services like professional monitoring, which connects you to a 24/7 security team that can alert authorities in case of an emergency. This includes a $1000 Theft + Damage Reimbursement.

• We also help with your insurance discounts, making it a valuable investment for your overall home protection. See Dory for more details.

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Protecting Your Home: Real Experiences with Kangaroo Security

Many users have shared their experiences, highlighting the effectiveness and convenience of Kangaroo's products. From the reassurance of knowing who's at the door to the confidence of monitoring your home, these testimonials illustrate how Kangaroo has transformed home security for countless individuals.

"Sleek Design and Easy to Use – Highly Recommended! We love our new Kangaroo motion sensor. The design is clean, simple, and the app setup was a breeze. The sensor connected to my phone and Wi-Fi without a hitch, and testing it worked perfectly. After experiencing a robbery in the past, having this sensor gives me peace of mind. I’m excited to purchase more Kangaroo products to enhance my security system. Great job, Kangaroo!" — Todd S., Amazon Verified Purchase

"Affordable and Effective. I bought five Kangaroo motion detectors, and they worked right out of the box. While we were away, a friend entered our house, and both my wife and I received alerts on our phones. A minute later, our alarms went off, and we checked our outdoor surveillance to confirm it was just our friend. We solved the situation ourselves without involving a security company or paying any monthly fees. Everything worked seamlessly, and we couldn’t be happier." — Dan, Amazon Verified Purchase

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Crime and Safety in Virginia

• Which city in Virginia has the highest crime rate?

  Portsmouth has the highest crime rate among cities in Virginia, particularly for violent crime and property crime, including incidents like robbery and motor vehicle theft. Emporia also ranks high due to its population density and socioeconomic challenges.

• What are some of the safest cities to live in Virginia?

  Some of the safest cities in Virginia include Chesapeake and Fredericksburg. These cities have lower violent crime rates and property crime rates, making them ideal places to live for residents seeking a secure environment compared to urban areas like Norfolk and Richmond.

• How does Roanoke compare in terms of crime?

  Roanoke has a moderate crime rate, with concerns about both violent crime and property crime. While not among the safest cities, it offers diverse places to live for residents who value local amenities and community despite crime-related challenges.

• What are common types of crime reported in Virginia?

  Common types of crime in Virginia include property crime, violent crime, burglary, robbery, and assault. Cities in Virginia like Norfolk and Newport News often report higher crime rates, while areas like Chesapeake remain comparatively safer for residents.

• What factors contribute to high crime in certain Virginia cities?

  Factors contributing to high crime rates in cities like Petersburg and Portsmouth include population density, socioeconomic challenges, and limited access to resources. These issues often result in higher incidents of theft, assault, and violent crime.

• How does the crime rate in Virginia compare to other states?

  Virginia's overall crime rate is moderate compared to other states. However, certain cities in Virginia, particularly along the Elizabeth River, such as Norfolk and Portsmouth, experience higher violent crime rates, impacting residents’ quality of life in urban areas.

• What is the largest city in Virginia, and how does its crime rate compare?

  The largest city in Virginia is Virginia Beach. It boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in Virginia like Norfolk and Portsmouth, making it one of the safest places to live in Virginia state for residents prioritizing security and quality of life.

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