VCU Neighborhood, Richmond

Last updated: May 7, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Richmond

Summary: VCU, Richmond Crime Rate (2026)

VCU in Richmond, VA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 57, which is 43% below the national average. VCU is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Richmond.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 7, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 57 / 300 High
Violent Crime 130
30% above national avg
Property Crime 144
44% above national avg
City Ranking
80%
safer than other
Richmond neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Richmond

Is VCU Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. VCU in Richmond, VA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 57, which is 43% below the national average of 100. VCU is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Richmond.

Compared to the Richmond average (crime index 112), VCU is 55% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Richmond as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).

Highest Risk
Rape · Index 179 (79% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 18 (82% below avg)

VCU 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
146 +46% Moderate
Assault
18 -82% Low
Robbery
178 +78% High
Rape
179 +79% High
Property Crime
Burglary
100 0% Average
Larceny / Theft
171 +71% High
Vehicle Theft
162 +62% High

How VCU Compares

Crime index by category: VCU vs Richmond average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

VCU Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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VCU Demographics & Context

Population
4,230
Median Income
$20,598
Home Value
$487,575
Median Age
21
Pop. Density
20,893/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 34.7%
Graduate Degree 36.4%

Housing

10%
90%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 56.2%
Black 21%
Hispanic 6.9%
Asian 15.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in VCU, Richmond?

VCU in Richmond, VA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 57, which is 43% below the national average. Compared to the Richmond average, crime in VCU is 55% lower. VCU is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Richmond.

Is VCU a safe neighborhood in Richmond?

VCU is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Richmond, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 179), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).

How does VCU compare to the rest of Richmond?

VCU's overall crime index is 57, compared to the Richmond average of 112. This means crime in VCU is 55% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 144. 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 VCU?

The most prevalent crime type in VCU is Rape, with a crime index of 179 (79% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near VCU?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oregon Hill, Gambles Hill, The Fan and Newtowne West. These areas are close to VCU and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of VCU?

VCU has a population of approximately 4,230. The median household income is $20,598. The median home value is $487,575. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does VCU crime compare to the national average?

VCU's overall crime rate is 43% below the national average (index 57 vs 100). Within Richmond, it is safer than 80% of neighborhoods. 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.