| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chesapeake/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,360 | n/a (estimate) | 2,084 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 4.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 60 | n/a | 23.3 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 115 | n/a | 44.7 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 686 | n/a | 266.7 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 873 | n/a (estimate) | 339 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 476 | n/a | 185.0 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,721 | n/a | 1,446.5 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 290 | n/a | 112.7 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,487 | n/a (estimate) | 1,744 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Chesapeake crime rate is 1.7% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Chesapeake, there were 873 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 339 per 100,000 individuals, 5.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Chesapeake recorded 4487 property crimes, amounting to 1744 per 100,000 residents, 0.9% lower than the U.S. average.
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 339 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Chesapeake exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1744 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Chesapeake maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Chesapeake residents. Out of the respondents (54 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Chesapeake were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Chesapeake a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Chesapeake has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 2%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 14.68 daily incidents, encompassing 2.39 violent crimes and 12.29 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Chesapeake as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Chesapeake crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Chesapeake has decreased by 0.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 24.3% and property crime has decreased by 6%.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Chesapeake, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 13 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Chesapeake are areas such as Deep Creek South, Great Bridge East and Pleasant Grove West, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Deep Creek North, Indian River and South Norfolk are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Chesapeake has a poverty rate that stands at 7.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Chesapeake crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Chesapeake has a population density of 742.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Chesapeake crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Chesapeake, the cost of living is 14.65% higher than the national average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Chesapeake | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 476 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Norfolk, VA | 250,142 | 469 | 3,772 | 4,242 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 98,194 | 752 | 3,861 | 4,613 |
| Chesapeake, VA | 251,202 | 339 | 1,744 | 2,084 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Norfolk, VA | 250,142 | 469 | 3,772 | 4,242 |
| Irving, TX | 248,458 | 275 | 2,199 | 2,474 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 255,400 | 810 | 2,921 | 3,731 |
| Gilbert, AZ | 255,869 | 132 | 968 | 1,100 |
| Glendale, AZ | 255,914 | 488 | 2,671 | 3,159 |
| Chesapeake, VA | 251,202 | 339 | 1,744 | 2,084 |
Here are the best places to live in Virginia
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Virginia
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US