Sterling, VA Crime Rate & Safety

Sterling, VA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 200 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Sterling has higher crime than 89% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Sterling has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 100% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Lowes Island is one of the safest areas, while Dulles Town Center has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Sterling is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Sterling are Lowes Island, Cascades, Washington Dulles International Airport, Countryside, and Oak Grove. 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 Sterling include Dulles Town Center, Sterling, Arcola, Sugarland Run, and Oak Grove. 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 Sterling is 500.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 31% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 200 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.9 per 100K (57% above average); aggravated assault at 304.8 per 100K (14% above average); robbery at 125.5 per 100K (70% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Sterling is 3,213.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 75% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 275.6 per 100K (2% above average); larceny/theft at 2,470.1 per 100K (76% above average); vehicle theft at 468.1 per 100K (47% above average).

Sterling's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (84% above average), while burglary is 2% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Sterling has higher crime than 89% of them.

Visitors to Sterling should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 75% 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 Lowes Island, Cascades, Washington Dulles International Airport.

Virginia as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Sterling's crime rate is 53% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Sterling, with an estimated rate of 2,470.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 76% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,214 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (500 per 100K) in Sterling, which is consistent with national trends.