Many people are drawn to Virginia because of its proximity to Washington, DC, beaches, and mountains. Despite all of Virginia’s greatness, there are many areas where violent crime and property crime are disproportionately high. To help you avoid mistakes when considering a move, we’ve compiled a list of the worst places to live in Virginia.
1. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Virginia, with a population of 97,915, is considered the most dangerous city in the state and is located across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk.Portsmouth’s violent crime rate is 228% higher than the Virginia average, resulting in re sidents having a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim of crime. In 2022, the city reported a total of 4,429 crimes, including 36 murders, 138 robberies, 529 assaults, and 3,007 thefts.
2. Emporia
Emporia, in Greensville County with 5,766 residents, ranks among Virginia’s worst cities due to its high crime rates. The total crime rate of 4,203 per 100,000 is 61% above the U.S. average. In 2022, Emporia saw a total of 166 crimes, comprising 22 violent crimes and 144 property crimes, with common offenses being assault, burglary, and theft.
3. Galax
Galax, a city of 6,720 people in southwestern Virginia near the Appalachian Mountains, is considered dangerous because of its unusually high crime rate of 3,768 crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of becoming a victim of a crime is 1 in 27.
In 2022, Galax reported 0 homicides, 9 assaults, 25 robberies, 187 thefts, and 22 motor vehicle thefts. Despite its small population, Galax is considered disproportionately dangerous.
4. South Boston
South Boston, a city of 7,588 people located in Halifax County, has struggled with economic challenges and poverty that have led to sustained population decline over the past two decades. Currently, the overall crime rate in South Boston is 3,587 crimes per 100,000 residents, which equates to a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
5. Norfolk
Norfolk is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia and is home to Naval Base Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. The overall crime rate is 3,354 per 100,000 residents, 43% higher than the U.S.average, and we face an increase in violent and property crimes off naval bases. Last year, 9,850 crimes were recorded in the city, including 63 murders and 1,364 assaults.
6. Richmond
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is known as one of the state’s most violent cities. With a population of 204,214, its crime rate is 39% higher than the U.S. average, at 3,270 crimes per 100,000 residents. In 2022, Richmond reported a total of 7,703 property and violent crimes, including 90 murders, 267 robberies, 534 assaults, and 711 burglaries.
7. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is one of the most dangerous places in Virginia. Fredericksburg is a historic city and the site of the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg. It’s also one of the most dangerous places in Virginia. Fredericksburg’s overall crime rate is 3,129 crimes per 100,000 residents, and the odds of being a victim of any type of crime are 1 in 33. In 2022, there were a total of 947 crimes in Fredericksburg, including 153 violent crimes and 794 property crimes.
8. Danville
Danville is also one of the worst cities in Virginia due to its high violent crime rate. Danville, a city steeped in Civil War history, is home to 42,590 residents. Danville’s overall crime rate is 3,118 per 100,000 residents, which is 37% higher than the national average. In 2022, 1,406 crimes were recorded, including 6 murders, 30 robberies and 107 assaults.
Property crimes are the most common form of crime, with robbery being common.
9. Petersburg
Petersburg, a historic city with a population of 33,458, faces a total crime rate 37% higher than the U.S. average. Residents have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming victims of any crime. In 2022, the city recorded 978 crimes, including 18 murders, 20 robberies, 191 assaults, 71 burglaries, and 81 motor vehicle thefts. The median home price in Petersburg is only $111,300.
10. Newport News
Newport News is one of the most crime-ridden cities in Virginia and the fifth largest city in the state with a population of 186,247. The crime rate is 2,665 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 30% more dangerous than the Virginia average.
In 2022, the city reported 29 murders, 130 robberies and 955 assaults. While violent crime is a concern, property crimes are nearly three times more likely. Despite its high economic activity, Newport News is not a desirable hometown.
