In a recent report by the Southwest Journal, Virginia, famously dubbed the “Old Dominion,” stands out for its rich historical tapestry and diverse geography. Situated in the mid-Atlantic region, the state boasted a population exceeding 8.6 million in 2022. Notably, over a third of Virginians call Northern Virginia home, residing in proximity to major urban centers such as Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Richmond holds the distinction of being the state capital, while Virginia Beach reigns as the most populous city. Virginia’s landscape is as varied as its history, with sandy beaches, the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, and the majestic Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains defining its natural beauty.
Virginia, known as one of the original thirteen colonies, boasts the oldest state legislature in North America, established in 1619. Its recent legalization of marijuana reflects its evolving social landscape. While Richmond grapples with a high violent crime rate, it does not rank among the top 10 most dangerous cities in Virginia. Crime data from FBI reports and local sources play a crucial role in informing residents and visitors about safety across different cities in the state.
High-Risk Cities in Virginia
- Roanoke: With 44 crimes per 1,000 residents, Roanoke has the highest crime rate among these cities, with a likelihood of 1 in 204 for violent crime and 1 in 26 for property crime.
- Martinsville: Martinsville reports a crime rate of 28 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 229 for violent crime and 1 in 43 for property crime.
- Waynesboro: Waynesboro has a crime rate of 21 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 403 for violent crime and 1 in 55 for property crime.
- Lynchburg: Lynchburg experiences a crime rate of 25 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 238 for violent crime and 1 in 48 for property crime.
- Hampton: Hampton reports a crime rate of 28 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 348 for violent crime and 1 in 40 for property crime.
- Charlottesville: Charlottesville faces a high crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 187 for violent crime and 1 in 33 for property crime.
- Winchester: Winchester exhibits a crime rate of 27 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 356 for violent crime and 1 in 41 for property crime.
- Hopewell: Hopewell reports a crime rate of 22 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 309 for violent crime and 1 in 56 for property crime.
- Alexandria: Alexandria has a crime rate of 20 per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 465 for violent crime and 1 in 59 for property crime.
- Harrisonburg: Harrisonburg experiences 19 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 405 for violent crime and 1 in 53 for property crime.
