Charlottesville, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Charlottesville, VA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 13% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 219 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. Charlottesville has higher crime than 76% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Charlottesville has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 6 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Forest Lakes is one of the safest areas, while Ashcroft has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Charlottesville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Charlottesville are Forest Lakes, Redfields, Ivy, River Run, and Mill Creek. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Charlottesville include Ashcroft, Mill Creek, Forest Lakes, and Ivy. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Charlottesville is 457.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 219 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (15% above average); aggravated assault at 328.1 per 100K (22% above average); robbery at 83.1 per 100K (12% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Charlottesville is 2,444.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 33% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 41 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 263.0 per 100K (3% below average); larceny/theft at 1,784.7 per 100K (27% above average); vehicle theft at 396.3 per 100K (24% above average).

Charlottesville's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (27% above average), while burglary is 3% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Charlottesville has higher crime than 76% of them.

Visitors to Charlottesville should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 33% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Forest Lakes, Redfields, Ivy.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Charlottesville's crime rate is 13% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Charlottesville, with an estimated rate of 1,784.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,444 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (457 per 100K) in Charlottesville, which is consistent with national trends.