We’re grateful to live in the beautiful state of Virginia, with its endless natural wonders, fascinating history, beautiful scenery, and wonderful residents. Nevertheless, as is the case with any state, some areas can be more danger-prone than others. According to FBI statistics, the following cities have been reported to have higher crime rates than others and are therefore considered to be among some of the most dangerous places in Virginia. Factors that went into consideration were crimes that were reported to the police, including aggravated assaults, burglaries, and both violent and nonviolent crimes. The most recent data available was taken in 2018, and you can see the full report by clicking here.
Please note: While the following cities may have statistically proven to be more dangerous than average, we can gladly confirm that every place on this list is still a wonderful place to call home or visit.
- Norfolk
Sharon Flowers / flickr With a population of over 244,000, Norfolk resides at the top of Virginia’s most dangerous cities for 2018. That year, the city reported 1,134 crimes, including 321 robberies, and 660 aggravated assaults. Additionally, there were 8,463 property crimes. That being said, Norfolk has so much to offer. While you’re there, be sure to check out the world’s longest fishing pier. Norfolk, VA, USA
- Richmond
Geoff Livingston / flickr The state’s capital is among its most dangerous cities. With an impressive population of 229,927, Richmond reported a total of 1,190 crimes. Of these, aggravated assault counted for 633 of them and there were over 8,000 property crimes. Richmond is known for so much more, though. From history to incredible eats, this city is an absolute must-visit. For proof of this, look no further than this incredible rooftop bar. Richmond, VA, USA
- Chesapeake
Ken Lund / flickr Chesapeake, Virginia, with its population of 242,300, reported 979 crimes in 2018. Of these, 99 were aggravated assaults. Additionally, there were over 5,000 property crimes. Chesapeake also has a delightful shopping and dining scene, so don’t hesitate to visit. For example, check out this incredible neighborhood pizzeria. Chesapeake, VA, USA
- Newport News
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr With a population of 178,734, Newport News was the fourth most dangerous city for 2018. There were 942 reported violent crimes and 5,148 reports of property crime. On the other hand, Newport News is brimming with beautiful places to visit. A prime example is Newport News Park, which features a beautiful boardwalk trail. Newport News, VA, USA
- Portsmouth
Doug Kerr / flickr Portsmouth, with a population of 94,218, reported a total of 749 violent crimes in 2018. Of those, 482 were aggravated assaults. There were also 4,977 reported property crimes that year, including 958 cases of robbery. Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, though. Learn more about why Portsmouth is a gorgeous seaside town. Portsmouth, VA, USA
What are your thoughts about these statistics and the cities considered to be among the most dangerous places in Virginia? Does your experience in these cities reflect these numbers? Feel free to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Sharon Flowers / flickr
With a population of over 244,000, Norfolk resides at the top of Virginia’s most dangerous cities for 2018. That year, the city reported 1,134 crimes, including 321 robberies, and 660 aggravated assaults. Additionally, there were 8,463 property crimes. That being said, Norfolk has so much to offer. While you’re there, be sure to check out the world’s longest fishing pier.
Norfolk, VA, USA
Geoff Livingston / flickr
The state’s capital is among its most dangerous cities. With an impressive population of 229,927, Richmond reported a total of 1,190 crimes. Of these, aggravated assault counted for 633 of them and there were over 8,000 property crimes. Richmond is known for so much more, though. From history to incredible eats, this city is an absolute must-visit. For proof of this, look no further than this incredible rooftop bar.
Richmond, VA, USA
Ken Lund / flickr
Chesapeake, Virginia, with its population of 242,300, reported 979 crimes in 2018. Of these, 99 were aggravated assaults. Additionally, there were over 5,000 property crimes. Chesapeake also has a delightful shopping and dining scene, so don’t hesitate to visit. For example, check out this incredible neighborhood pizzeria.
Chesapeake, VA, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
With a population of 178,734, Newport News was the fourth most dangerous city for 2018. There were 942 reported violent crimes and 5,148 reports of property crime. On the other hand, Newport News is brimming with beautiful places to visit. A prime example is Newport News Park, which features a beautiful boardwalk trail.
Newport News, VA, USA
Doug Kerr / flickr
Portsmouth, with a population of 94,218, reported a total of 749 violent crimes in 2018. Of those, 482 were aggravated assaults. There were also 4,977 reported property crimes that year, including 958 cases of robbery. Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, though. Learn more about why Portsmouth is a gorgeous seaside town.
Portsmouth, VA, USA
To end things on a positive note, check out some of the most beautiful places in Virginia.
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Address: Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous places in Virginia February 10, 2022 Beth C. Where can I go in Virginia that only the locals know about? Whether you’re traveling through Virginia for the first time or happen to be a resident yourself, you may be curious to check out the hyper-local attractions throughout the Old Dominion. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed some of the top hidden gems in Virginia – the kind of places that only the locals seem to know about. Some of these destinations include Highland County (also known as Virginia’s Little Switzerland), Caledon State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, Carvin’s Cove in Roanoke, Devil’s Bathtub, the Bluebell Trail (part of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail), Breaks Interstate Park, and White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg. If you’re interested in learning more about these hidden gems, be sure to check out our previous article: 11 Hidden Places In Virginia Only Locals Know About. What are the most beautiful places to see in Virginia? If you’re someone who enjoys experiencing natural beauty, Virginia will not disappoint. From the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains to the breathtaking coast, there’s just no shortage of scenery here in the Old Dominion. In fact, there are some places so striking that they seem like something out of your wildest imagination. Some such places include the Great Dismal Swamp, Luray Caverns, Mabry Mill, Great Falls Park, Light of Truth Universal Shrine, Fairy Stone State Park, Lewis Giner Botanical Gardens, the Natural Chimneys, and High Knob Scenic Tower. Learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous places in Virginia
February 10, 2022
Beth C.
Where can I go in Virginia that only the locals know about? Whether you’re traveling through Virginia for the first time or happen to be a resident yourself, you may be curious to check out the hyper-local attractions throughout the Old Dominion. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed some of the top hidden gems in Virginia – the kind of places that only the locals seem to know about. Some of these destinations include Highland County (also known as Virginia’s Little Switzerland), Caledon State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, Carvin’s Cove in Roanoke, Devil’s Bathtub, the Bluebell Trail (part of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail), Breaks Interstate Park, and White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg. If you’re interested in learning more about these hidden gems, be sure to check out our previous article: 11 Hidden Places In Virginia Only Locals Know About. What are the most beautiful places to see in Virginia? If you’re someone who enjoys experiencing natural beauty, Virginia will not disappoint. From the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains to the breathtaking coast, there’s just no shortage of scenery here in the Old Dominion. In fact, there are some places so striking that they seem like something out of your wildest imagination. Some such places include the Great Dismal Swamp, Luray Caverns, Mabry Mill, Great Falls Park, Light of Truth Universal Shrine, Fairy Stone State Park, Lewis Giner Botanical Gardens, the Natural Chimneys, and High Knob Scenic Tower. Learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you’re traveling through Virginia for the first time or happen to be a resident yourself, you may be curious to check out the hyper-local attractions throughout the Old Dominion. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed some of the top hidden gems in Virginia – the kind of places that only the locals seem to know about. Some of these destinations include Highland County (also known as Virginia’s Little Switzerland), Caledon State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, Carvin’s Cove in Roanoke, Devil’s Bathtub, the Bluebell Trail (part of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail), Breaks Interstate Park, and White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg. If you’re interested in learning more about these hidden gems, be sure to check out our previous article: 11 Hidden Places In Virginia Only Locals Know About.
What are the most beautiful places to see in Virginia?
If you’re someone who enjoys experiencing natural beauty, Virginia will not disappoint. From the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains to the breathtaking coast, there’s just no shortage of scenery here in the Old Dominion. In fact, there are some places so striking that they seem like something out of your wildest imagination. Some such places include the Great Dismal Swamp, Luray Caverns, Mabry Mill, Great Falls Park, Light of Truth Universal Shrine, Fairy Stone State Park, Lewis Giner Botanical Gardens, the Natural Chimneys, and High Knob Scenic Tower. Learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Virginia.
