Anyone intending to travel to or live in the city must be familiar with the area. That also includes the area’s crime data. You don’t want to invest a lifetime’s worth in a home only to learn that the neighborhood is unsafe for raising a family.

In this post, we’re going to take a virtual tour of some of the Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia. (Photo: iStock)

Similarly, you wouldn’t want to take a vacation in an unreliable location. There are many beautiful locations and tourist attractions in Virginia.

According to HouseGrail, not everything is positive, though, as this state also has some cities that are labeled as one of the “MOST DANGEROUS CITIES IN VIRGINIA”. This article will discuss Virginia cities with high crime rates.

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Portsmouth

Population 93,694
Murder Rate 36.1 per 100,000 people
Average Household Income $63, 882
Poverty Rate 16.80%
Violent Crimes in 2021 920 per 100,000 people

Portsmouth, the 9th-most populous city in Virginia, is located across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk and is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. (Photo: pix4free)

The list of “Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia” is headed by Portsmouth. It is a remarkably old town, having been incorporated in 1836. Visitors adore visiting its numerous historical sites from three centuries.

Despite always being a center of commerce, the city faces some difficulties. Portsmouth has a significant crime problem, particularly property crime, which has a rate of 19.29%. Theft, break-ins, and arson are top concerns for locals in a town with such a small population. In the city, homes that are remote or have poor security are frequently easy targets for burglars.

Portsmouth’s high crime rate is attributed to unemployment, but the police department has been working since 1995 to reduce it through friendly engagement and building bridges to encourage crime-free living, especially in areas like Newton. This has been the reason why Portsmouth is labeled as one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia.

South Boston

Population 7,452
Murder Rate 1 per 1000 people
Average Household Income $55, 549
Poverty Rate 17.06%
Violent Crimes in 2021 2.442% per 1000 people

Downtown South Boston Farmers Market features local farmers, bakers, and artisans offering homegrown produce, baked goods, plants, flowers, handmade gifts, and home decor, open seasonally and year-round. (Photo: iStock)

It’s a small area when compared to cities like Portsmouth, and South Boston. Following the establishment of a new settlement, it developed into a town and was incorporated in 1884. Even though South Boston still has one of Virginia’s lowest populations despite becoming an independent city in 1960.

South Boston ranks second in Virginia in the list of “Most Dangerous Cities in Virginia” for having a high crime rate despite having a small population. Property crime is the biggest problem, particularly in homes without security systems. Homes with poor security are 300% more likely to experience break-ins while the owners are away.

South Boston’s central neighborhoods are a crime hotspot. One in 27 people will become victims of crime. There are, however, safe areas, such as the city’s southeast, where there are 1 in 65 crimes. The city’s overall property crime rate is 15.76%, which is high given the city’s small population.

The poor economy in South Boston contributes to the area’s high crime rate. 17.1% of people in the country are considered to be poor. In addition, the police force is overburdened due to the 20% annual increase in crime that has been reported for 2021. No wonder South Boston was labeled as one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia.

Danville

Population 38, 834
Murder Rate 1 per 1000 people
Average Household Income $51, 599
Poverty Rate 22.38%
Violent Crimes in 2021 1.95 per 1000 people

In the American state of Virginia, the city of Danville is autonomous. The city is situated along the Dan River’s fall line in the Southside Virginia region. (Photo: Pinterest)

When visiting historical sites, many visitors stay in Danville. Unfortunately, Danville is one of the state’s most dangerous cities in Virginia. Property crime, which has the highest crime rate in this populated area at 17.65%, is at the top of the list. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods are in the southeast. In these areas, where the majority of Danville’s low-income residents reside, there is a 1 in 19 chance that you will become a victim of crime. Residents with higher incomes live in the north.

Not everything is lost, though, as a decline in crime signals better times for the city. There were rumors in 2020 that Danville had seen a decrease in crime not seen in 30 years. Robberies decreased by 42% while murders decreased from 8 to 5. These modifications are the result of community empowerment initiatives carried out by the police department. The Danville police department has also adopted new strategies for street patrol.

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