D+
4%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
13%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
3%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChesapeake/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime6,161n/a (estimate)2,4281,9302,324
Murder25n/a9.97.36.3
Rape72n/a28.430.240.0
Robbery104n/a41.038.466.1
Assault858n/a338.1158.1268.2
Violent crime1,059n/a (estimate)417234370
Burglary409n/a161.2124.6269.8
Theft4,287n/a1,689.51,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft406n/a160.0160.7282.7
Property crime5,102n/a (estimate)2,0111,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chesapeake, VA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Chesapeake crime rate is higher than the national average by 4.5%. Specifically, there were 1059 violent crimes in Chesapeake, equivalent to 417 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 12.9%. Furthermore, Chesapeake recorded 5102 property crimes, amounting to 2011 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 2.9%.

When assessing the total crime rate in Chesapeake per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Chesapeake, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Chesapeake is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Chesapeake reported 417 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

Chesapeake has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2011 property crimes in Chesapeake, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chesapeake?

AreaVibes surveyed 50 local residents in Chesapeake to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 54% of people answered that there was very little crime in Chesapeake and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 46% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Chesapeake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Chesapeake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Chesapeake has an overall crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 16.88 daily occurrences, comprising 2.9 violent crimes and 13.98 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Chesapeake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Chesapeake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Chesapeake has increased by 14.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Chesapeake is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 8.2%, while property crime has increased by 20.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Chesapeake.

Chesapeake Neighborhood Crime Rates

Chesapeake is a large urban city with at least 14 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Chesapeake include: Pleasant Grove East, Deep Creek South and Great Bridge East. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Deep Creek North, South Norfolk and Indian River.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chesapeake

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Chesapeake crime rates. For instance, in Chesapeake, the population density stands at 716.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Chesapeake, 86.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Chesapeake, the cost of living is 10.63% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Chesapeake crime map



The Chesapeake crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chesapeake as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chesapeake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chesapeake crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Chesapeake, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chesapeake crime rates are 4% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chesapeake are 13% higher than the national average
      • In Chesapeake you have a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chesapeake is safer than 24% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chesapeake has increased by 12%

      Chesapeake, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chesapeake

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        Daily Crime In Chesapeake (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Chesapeake, per 100,000 residents. In Chesapeake, the total number of daily crimes is 1.26 times more than the Virginia average and 1.04 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Chesapeake are 1.78 times more than the Virginia average and 1.13 times more than the national average. For property crime, Chesapeake has a daily crime rate that is 1.19 times more than the Virginia average and 1.03 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Chesapeake (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Chesapeake in comparison to other Virginia communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Chesapeake safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Chesapeake being safer than 18% of cities in Virginia and 24% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Virginia cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Chesapeake. In conclusion, Chesapeake ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chesapeake

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chesapeake is 1 in 240
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chesapeake is 1 in 50
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chesapeake is 1 in 42
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Chesapeake, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 240. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 50 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Chesapeake is 1 in 42.

        Year Over Year Crime In Chesapeake (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Chesapeake, VA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Chesapeake has decreased by 10%, while the property crime rate in Chesapeake has increased by 18% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Chesapeake has increased by 12% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Chesapeake police department

        Item Chesapeake Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4768,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.13.23.3
        There are a total of 476 Chesapeake police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 35% less than the Virginia average and 35.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Norfolk, VA244,3007034,8725,575
        Portsmouth, VA94,9618754,8815,757
        Chesapeake, VA242,6474172,0112,428

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Norfolk, VA244,3007034,8725,575
        Irving, TX240,4753362,5312,867
        Winston-Salem, NC245,7871,1763,8945,069
        Garland, TX238,6222462,5622,808
        North Las Vegas, NV247,2484221,7742,196
        Chesapeake, VA242,6474172,0112,428
        Source: The Chesapeake, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.