Dorchester Neighborhood, Richmond
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Summary: Dorchester, Richmond Crime Rate (2026)
Dorchester in Richmond, VA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 19, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Richmond
Is Dorchester Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Dorchester in Richmond, VA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Richmond average (crime index 112), Dorchester is 43% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 162, 62% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 26). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Dorchester Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Richmond city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Assault
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
How Dorchester Compares
Crime index by category: Dorchester vs Richmond average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Dorchester Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Dorchester Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Dorchester, Richmond?
Dorchester in Richmond, VA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average. Compared to the Richmond average, crime in Dorchester is 43% higher.
Is Dorchester a safe neighborhood in Richmond?
Dorchester is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Richmond, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Murder (index: 162), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Dorchester compare to the rest of Richmond?
Dorchester's overall crime index is 155, compared to the Richmond average of 112. This means crime in Dorchester is 43% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 98, and for property crime it is 67. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Dorchester?
The most prevalent crime type in Dorchester is Murder, with a crime index of 162 (62% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Dorchester?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cottrell Farms, British Camp Farms, Deerbourne and Brookbury. These areas are close to Dorchester and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Dorchester?
Dorchester has a population of approximately 199. The median household income is $70,543. The median home value is $153,664. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Dorchester crime compare to the national average?
Dorchester's overall crime rate is 55% above the national average (index 155 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.