Richmond, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Richmond, VA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 65% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 157 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 29 chance for property crime. Richmond has higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Richmond has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 74% of the city's 147 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, University of Richmond is one of the safest areas, while Creighton has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Richmond is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Richmond are University of Richmond, Wilton, Country Club of Virginia - Westhampton, Windsor Farms, and Colonial Place. 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 Richmond include Creighton, Whitcomb, Gilpin, Fairfield, and Eastview. 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 Richmond is 635.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 67% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.2 per 100K (64% above average); aggravated assault at 454.4 per 100K (69% above average); robbery at 118.7 per 100K (61% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Richmond is 3,467.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 89% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 29 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 405.9 per 100K (50% above average); larceny/theft at 2,498.0 per 100K (78% above average); vehicle theft at 563.4 per 100K (77% above average).

Richmond's overall crime rate is 65% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (78% above average), while burglary is 50% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Richmond has higher crime than 91% of them.

Visitors to Richmond should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 89% 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 University of Richmond, Wilton, Country Club of Virginia - Westhampton.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Richmond's crime rate is 65% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Richmond, with an estimated rate of 2,498.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 78% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,467 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (636 per 100K) in Richmond, which is consistent with national trends.