Virginia Beach, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Virginia Beach, VA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Virginia Beach crime rate is lower than the national average by 27%. Specifically, there were 400 violent crimes in Virginia Beach, equivalent to 87 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 76.4%. Furthermore, Virginia Beach recorded 7369 property crimes, amounting to 1611 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 17.6%.

Virginia Beach stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 87 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Virginia Beach secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Virginia Beach?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Virginia Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (119 responses), 68% of people felt that there was very little crime in Virginia Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 32% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Virginia Beach a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Virginia Beach, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Virginia Beach presents a total crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Virginia Beach experiences an average of 21.28 daily crimes, comprising 1.1 violent incidents and 20.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Virginia Beach Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Virginia Beach. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Virginia Beach has increased by 2.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 21.1%, while property crimes have increased by 3.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Virginia Beach

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Virginia Beach crime rates. In Virginia Beach, the poverty rate stands at 7.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Virginia Beach crime rates. The population density in Virginia Beach is 1842.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The median home price in Virginia Beach is $287,400, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Virginia Beach crime map