Chesapeake, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Chesapeake, VA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 4% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 269 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 49 chance for property crime. Chesapeake has lower crime than 35% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Chesapeake has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Chesapeake is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Chesapeake is 372.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.7 per 100K (6% below average); aggravated assault at 251.9 per 100K (6% below average); robbery at 77.6 per 100K (5% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Chesapeake is 2,053.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 49 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 256.4 per 100K (5% below average); larceny/theft at 1,487.1 per 100K (6% above average); vehicle theft at 310.0 per 100K (3% below average).

Chesapeake's overall crime rate is 4% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (14% above average), while murder is 6% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Chesapeake has lower crime than 35% of them.

Visitors to Chesapeake should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 12% 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.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Chesapeake's crime rate is 4% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Chesapeake, with an estimated rate of 1,487.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 6% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,054 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (372 per 100K) in Chesapeake, which is consistent with national trends.