A+
64%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
78%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
61%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCape Charles/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime10n/a (estimate)7721,7882,119
Murder1n/a77.24.85.0
Rape0n/a0.027.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.033.160.6
Assault0n/a0.0152.2256.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)77218359
Burglary3n/a231.7108.7229.2
Theft3n/a231.71,315.91,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a231.7145.1258.8
Property crime9n/a (estimate)6951,5701,760

Cape Charles crime map

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The Cape Charles crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cape Charles 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 Cape Charles crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cape Charles 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cape Charles, VA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Cape Charles is 63.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Cape Charles, equivalent to 77 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 78.5%. Additionally, Cape Charles recorded 9 property crimes, amounting to 695 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 60.5%.

With a crime rate of 772, significantly below the national average of 2119, Cape Charles stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

With only 77 incidents per 100,000 people, Cape Charles boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Cape Charles has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Cape Charles is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Cape Charles, which equates to 77 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Cape Charles being a very dangerous place to live.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Cape Charles has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 695 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Cape Charles remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cape Charles?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Cape Charles. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 64% of people felt that there was very little crime in Cape Charles and felt safe walking alone at night. While 36% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Cape Charles a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Cape Charles 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, Cape Charles has an overall crime rate that is 64% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.03 daily occurrences, comprising 0 violent crimes and 0.02 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Cape Charles as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Cape Charles Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Cape Charles has increased by 11.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Cape Charles, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 75%, while property crime has increased by 80%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Cape Charles is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cape Charles

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Cape Charles crime rate. The poverty level in Cape Charles is 16%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In Cape Charles, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.91 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Cape Charles stands at $645,763, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

Compare Cape Charles, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cape Charles crime rates are 64% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cape Charles are 78% lower than the national average
      • In Cape Charles you have a 1 in 130 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cape Charles is safer than 75% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cape Charles has increased by 4%

      Cape Charles, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Cape Charles

        See all the best places to live around Cape Charles
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Cape Charles?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Cape Charles?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Cape Charles poll results

        Daily Crime In Cape Charles (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Cape Charles (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cape Charles

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cape Charles is 1 in 1295
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cape Charles is 1 in 144
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cape Charles is 1 in 130

        Year Over Year Crime In Cape Charles (per 100,000 people)

        Cape Charles police department

        Item Cape Charles Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)58,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.93.23.3
        There are a total of 5 Cape Charles police officers. This results in 4.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 52.4% greater than the Virginia average and 50.9% greater 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
        Eastville, VA5622651,9052,170
        Cheriton, VA5133102,2312,541
        Cape Charles, VA1,27577695772

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Belhaven, NC1,2751708871,057
        Kaaawa, HI1,27541364405
        Canaan, CT1,27557570627
        Country Club Hills, MO1,2751,6212,9384,559
        Colbert, OK1,2752751,8352,110
        Cape Charles, VA1,27577695772
        Source: The Cape Charles, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.