Discover the 13 Most Dangerous Places in Virginia

Planning a trip with the family or even a solo road excursion by yourself can be challenging and mysterious. It behooves us all to know the ins and outs of the places we wish to visit. Whether you are native to the area or just passing through, every region has its eccentricities. However, those who hail from the state of Virginia are likely aware of which cities, towns, and villages to avoid across the state. For those unaware, read on to discover the 13 most dangerous places in Virginia.

1. City of Richmond (Most Dangerous City in Virginia)

Back in 2012, the city of Richmond reported the highest number of murders in the state. While this number has fluctuated over the last decade, the city has recently seen another spike. Currently, the murder rate in Richmond is 15.9%, which is up from the same time last year. The unfortunate rate of violent crime makes Richmond one of the most dangerous places in Virginia.

2. City of Norfolk 

With the fourth highest number of property crimes in the state, residents of Norfolk have a one in 19 chance of being subjected to violent crime. Violent property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Despite sporting a smaller number of violent crimes than Richmond, the city has the third most murders per person. Norfolk also holds the third most violent crime per person.

3. City of Portsmouth 

While Norfolk holds a higher rank regarding the number of violent crimes, Portsmouth has its claim as one of the most dangerous places in Virginia. The city currently ranks second in number of property crimes. Statistically, residents of Portsmouth have a one in 18 chance of being the victim of a violent crime. However, like Richmond and Norfolk, some areas are much safer than others.

4. South Boston (Small Town)

Although not as small as Franklin, the “city” of South Boston tops out with only 8,000 residents. Despite being relatively small, the area is also known to be a bit dangerous for tourists. The town has experienced high levels of poverty and unemployment in recent years. This often leads to an influx in crime, especially violent property crime.

5. City of Roanoke

Roanoke appears safer than cities like Richmond and Portsmouth on the surface. This is because the rate of murders in the city is lower. Still, Roanoke ranks seventh in most homicides across the state. However, it also has the second-most violent crimes per person in Virginia, as well as the third-highest number of property crimes per person in the state.

6. City of Fredericksburg

If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you can easily find yourself in a quandary. One such dangerous place in Virginia is the city of Fredericksburg. The area is 9th in murders per person and 8th overall in violent crimes per person. Reportedly, residents have a one in twenty-three chance of being victimized as Fredericksburg is also 9th in property crimes.

7. City of Hopewell (Small Town)

Most violent crimes reported in Hopewell are categorized as assaults. Still, the small town ranked 7th in the highest number of murders per person as recently as 2012. Coming in as the 10th most dangerous place in Virginia in terms of both violent and property crimes, Hopewell sees its share of disturbances.

8. City of Petersburg

It may surprise some to learn the city of Petersburg ranks among the most dangerous places in Virginia. Due to the fact that it has some of the lowest property crimes in the state, Petersburg subsequently has an overall low number of crimes per person. However, regarding violent crime, the city has the fourth-highest number of homicides and the second-highest number of homicides. Numbers in 2012 showed 15 murders per 100,000 people, with the majority of violent crimes reported as assaults.

9. Emporia (Small Town)

According to Neighborhood Scout, the city of Emporia has a total crime index rating of 11. This means Emporia is safer than 11% of U.S. neighborhoods. That’s not great. The safest rating is 100. So, while there is limited information available on the city, it has solidified its ranking as one of the most dangerous places in Virginia.

10. City of Bristol

Although coyotes have been sighted in Bristol along with many dangerous animals in Virginia, it is most often people who cause the most turmoil. With the 4th highest number of murders, the city of Bristol was recently called one of the most hazardous areas in the state. Although there was technically less than one murder per person reported, the fact that more than half of the cities and towns in Virginia reported zero adds Bristol to the list.

11. City of Newport News

Residents of Newport News enjoy above-average schools and a dense suburban feel, but the area can also be fairly unsafe. With the fourth-highest number of murders per person in Virginia, it also ranks ninth in overall violent crime. Although the majority of these crimes were reported as assaults, 28 of those were rapes, and 149 per 100,000 were robberies. 

12. City of Danville

Officially recognized as a “playful city,” Danville is a beautiful area. Unfortunately, its ranking of 11th highest murder rate in the state also makes it a dangerous area. In 2012, the city also ranked 14th in violent crimes, with the 5th most property crimes per person 

in Virginia. With historic landmarks and beautiful rolling countryside, Danville has been rated one of the greatest places to live. However, with nearly 30 property crimes and three violent crimes per 1,000 residents currently, visitors should exercise caution.

13. Town of Franklin (Small Town)

For a small, relatively quaint little town that makes one think of Southern hospitality, Franklin surprisingly has one of the highest crime rates not only in the state but in the entire country! The city has a crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents. Compared to all communities of any size, this is one of the highest rates in America. While in Franklin, you have a one in 28 chance of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime. Altogether, this makes Franklin one of the most dangerous places in Virginia.

Summary of the Most Dangerous Places in Virginia