Everything You Should Know About Crime in Virginia

With the sprawling Atlantic coastline and scenic Appalachian Mountains, Virginia has a rich history as one of the 13 original colonies in the U.S. While the state is home to numerous urban destinations like Norfolk and Richmond, it's also host to 7.7 million acres of farmland.

Every city in Virginia has at least some crime. If you're wondering how a specific city's crime rates compare to the state average, Virginia's property crime rate is 14.78 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate when factoring in violent crime is 17.05 per 1,000 residents.

Crime in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city that offers a beautiful 3-mile boardwalk and many oceanfront properties. It's also home to popular spots like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the First Landing State Park. As of 2023, the city's population is just over 454,000, which makes it the largest city in Virginia.

The property crime rate in Virginia Beach is slightly higher than the state average at 15.51 for every 1,000 residents. However, the total crime rate is somewhat lower at 16.63 for every 1,000 residents. Fort Story, Courthouse Woods, and Lynnwood are a few areas that have some of the lowest crime rates in the city.

Crime in Chesapeake

Chesapeake is a fully independent city that's just a short drive away from Virginia Beach. It offers a combination of rural and urban destinations. If you enjoy spending time in nature, visit the Oak Grove Lake Park or Chesapeake Arboretum.

Property crime rates in Chesapeake are at 16.89 per 1,000 residents. The areas in Chesapeake with the lowest crime rates include Pleasant Grove East, Creekwood and Point Elizabeth.

Crime in Norfolk

Norfolk is a large waterfront city that's relatively close to Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, which puts it in the southeastern portion of the state. Residents have access to delicious restaurants, historical WWII museums, lively art galleries, and the Virginia Zoo.

If you live in Norfolk or are getting ready to move there, the property crime rate is more than double the state rate at around 34.09 per 1,000 residents. A few of the neighborhoods and areas with the lowest crime rates in Norfolk are Sewells Point, Riverpoint, and Bel-Aire.

Crime in Richmond

Richmond is the capital of Virginia and is among the most populous cities in the state with more than 226,000 residents. Because of its historical relevance, Richmond is home to dozens of museums for you to consider visiting. Destinations like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Children's Museum of Richmond are popular among residents and tourists alike.

In Richmond, the property crime rate is around 29.93 per 1,000 residents. The neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates include Buford Oaks, Woodmont, and Windsor Farms.

Crime in Alexandria

Alexandria is a beautiful city that's home to several colleges and universities and is just to the west of the Potomac River. While Alexandria has something to offer for everyone, much of the city's popularity comes from its Old Town location, which boasts pristine brick sidewalks and historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The property crime rate in Alexandria is 17.35 per 1,000 residents, which is just above the state average. Areas of Alexandria with the lowest crime rates include Wellington Heights, Waynewood, and Windsor Estates.

Crime in Newport News

Newport News is an urban destination that's just 25 minutes away from Williamsburg, an oft-traveled spot that tourists love to visit. There are many places to consider stopping by in Newport News, which include the Virginia Living Museum and Newport News Park.

When looking at the city's property crime rate, it's currently around 19.48 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate is 25.86, which means that most of the crime revolves around property theft and similar acts. The areas with the lowest crime rates in Newport News include Fort Eustis, Greenwood, and Boxley Hills.

Vehicle theft in Virginia

A major aspect of property crime in almost any city is vehicle theft. Whether the specific make and model of a vehicle is easy to get into or the driver forgets to lock their vehicle, thefts occur for many reasons. In 2022, criminals stole around 14,185 vehicles in Virginia, which is a 22% jump over the number of vehicles stolen in 2021. Just under 34% of all stolen vehicles in the state occur at the owner's home or residence.

Benefits of a home security system and home automation in Virginia

Whether you live in Virginia Beach or a smaller town like Vienna, it's a smart move to outfit your home with a security system that's capable of keeping criminals away and giving you peace of mind that your family is safe.

• Save more energy - You can improve your home's energy efficiency once you install smart devices and appliances that connect to the home automation system you buy. Vivint's Smart Home lighting and thermostats make it possible for you to minimize energy waste, which should lead to a lower energy bill every month.
• Increase your security - Our home security systems come with a wide range of features, which include everything from security cameras to safety alarms. We also have door locks that make it easy to control who enters your home and when each person has access. If someone attempts to get into your home by inputting a wrong code, the lock sends a trigger to the automation hub and security system to sound the alarm after incorrect inputs.
• Have full control - When you install one of Vivint’s automation systems in your home, you can control every device and appliance from your phone. If you're out shopping and you want to change your home's interior temperature, a single click of a button allows you to do so. When you're close to home and you wish to turn on the lights, all you need to do is enter the hub's smartphone app.
• Smart functionality - Vivint devices for your home come with smart functionality, which means that they can save you money and energy in the long run. For instance, our smart thermostat can learn your preferences when you adjust the temperature and can automatically change the temperature to maintain optimal performance.
• Customization options - You can decide which appliances and systems you attach to our smart automation hub. Along with smart lights and a smart thermostat, consider adding our security sensors around every entryway into your home.

Protect your home with a Vivint security system

Improving your security with a home security or an automation system from Vivint can help deter many different types of crime. The systems we offer not only increase your safety, but can also make your everyday life more convenient.

Here at Vivint, our goal is to help our customers identify their needs, enhance their home's security, and make their living situation more peaceful. Our team at Vivint makes sure to properly install every device you choose and shows you how to use the devices for the best outcomes. Learn more about our smart home systems and home security devices by calling us at 855.822.1220 today.