Is Danville Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Danville, Virginia, is a place with a lot of stories to tell.

It’s a city that has seen its fair share of ups and downs and is trying to find a good upswing.

Once a major player in the tobacco and textile industries, Danville’s economy had always largely been based along the Dan River, which slices through the heart of the city.

It’s also known for its role in the Civil War, being the last capital of the Confederacy.

These days, Danville is working hard to reinvent itself.

The downtown River District is getting a facelift, with old warehouses turning into cool dining spots, shops, and art spaces.

Plus, a 650 million-dollar casino resort is expected to bring in big crowds in the years to come.

The city is largely overlooked due to more robust and dynamic cities within an hour’s drive.

Some of the history here isn’t pleasant, and that image has been hard to shake.

However, there are bright spots in the history books, like the beautiful Millionaire’s Row, with an unprecedented collection of Victorian homes, at least by Virginia standards.

Racing legend Wendell Scott is from Danville.

He was the first African American to win a race in NASCAR’s top division and broke many racial barriers in the segregated world of auto racing during the 1960s and 1970s.

The spirit of racing is still vibrant in this region, with three racetracks near Danville.

Danville isn’t flashy or bustling with tourists, but it has a genuine charm and a spirit of resilience that makes it a special place to visit.

You can’t help but root for what Danville is trying to become.

Warnings & Dangers in Danville

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Danville, but that wasn't always the case. Recent crime rates have been down, but the city is still working on developing more places for people to visit.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Danville Transit System has nearly a dozen routes to get around town. You can review the maps online to see if those fit your travel needs. Taxis and rideshares will be available, but a rental car is the best option, especially since you need a way to get to Danville. Another option is to take Amtrak to Danville.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Only one or two pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year in Danville, according to the last five years of crime data. The risk is low, but don't let that cause you to let your guard down. The theft rates are much higher than average, meaning people capable of stealing are around you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Danville faces natural disaster risks such as flooding from the Dan River, severe thunderstorms, and occasional tornadoes. The worst storms here were caused by the remnants of hurricanes or tropical storms that moved onshore, so pay attention to the tropical forecasts from June through November during hurricane season.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates are down 78% since 2015 and are now 44% lower than the national average. In addition, less than 20% of those are highway robberies, making this a low-risk category.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Danville experiences low terrorism risks due to its smaller size and lack of high-profile targets. Another thing to keep an eye out for is any issue with hazardous materials from the many trains that come through town. While those can be accidental, they can also cause major health issues.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. I did a quick check of the most recent complaints to the police, and most target residents with the standard scamming phone calls where someone posing as an official demands money for a bogus payment. With the new casino coming, I would also expect some panhandling or sob story routine from people looking to score some quick cash. The risk is low, but you keep it that way by being informed of the common tactics.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Most, if not all, the trails here close at dusk, which is good because you don't want to be on those after dark. Stick with groups or at least with one other person, and stay in well-lit areas after dark. The risk is low, but avoid wearing name-brands or fancy jewelry here to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1.

Safest Places to Visit in Danville

Danville recently launched a new tourism campaign and website.

The website isn’t what you’d expect it to be – visitsosi.com.

SoSi (Sew-see) is meant to tap into the Southside history of the city while also embracing the concept that there is “So much to See.”

While the city didn’t have a tourism bureau for years, this is a very helpful tool to find special places to visit.

The site also includes information about Chatham, Gretna, and Hurt.

As of this publication, a lot is coming to Danville.

That includes a newly built Ceasars Virginia, with Las Vegas-style gaming, restaurants, and spa services.

Riverfront Park is expected to be the central gathering spot for the community.

As the name suggests, it’s right on the Dan River.

The park includes walking and biking trails, fountains, green spaces, and picnic areas.

There is a kayak access point in the park, too.

Next to the park is Dan River Falls, a reimagined textile mill now home to a live/work/play community.

Check the danriverfalls.com website to see the latest stores and restaurants before your visit.

An architectural gem awaits in Danville, with the Old West End National Historic District home to a vast collection of Edwardian and Victorian homes.

The textile and tobacco industries of the past catapulted Danville to prominence for a period in history.

By my count, there are about 90 homes, buildings, or churches on the walking tour.

The most spectacular spot in this area is known as Millionaire’s Row.

That’s also where you can find the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

Exhibits cover the women of Danville, Civil Rights history, and the Danville Hall of Fame.

The Riverwalk Trail scoops around the city on the northern edge of the river, spanning from Ballou Park to Anglers Park.

A spot in the middle allows visitors to cross the river and visit the aforementioned mill and park.

Racing fans can choose from events at Virginia International Raceway near Danville or the regional options of South Boston Speedway or Martinsville Speedway.

The international speedway is ranked as one of the best in the country by Car & Driver magazine.

The Danville Science Center has something for kids and adults.

Explore your imagination with various exhibits on water, science, outer space, and more.

Anglers Ridge Trail System spans 35 miles of some of the best mountain biking landscapes you’ll find in the state.

Trails range from easy to extreme.

Places to Avoid in Danville

While Danville doesn’t have areas that are “too dangerous” to be in, the bigger challenge is finding enough things to do that you don’t end up just driving around looking for fun.

The best way to check the crime hot spots is by visiting the community crime map on the police department’s website.

You can search for specific crimes in a certain area while also setting a time range.

For example, you might want to know how many robberies have happened within a mile of your hotel.

Half of the violent crime in Danville happens in the residential areas.

Stick to the main roads and the places designed for people to visit.

Also, the city is banking on the new Caesars casino and resort to be a big attention draw.

While it’s sort of a catch-22, the city can’t invest in building too much new infrastructure until it makes more money, and it won’t make more money until it has more things for tourists to do.

Danville is caught between larger cities with more to do in the region.

With places like Lynchburg, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Durham (NC), and Greensboro (NC) all within 90 minutes, Danville often gets overlooked.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Danville

Danville has a local police department. To avoid confusion with Danville, California, I’ve looked up the handle for the police department’s Facebook page, @DanvilleVAPD. The phone number is (434) 799-6510, and the email is danvillepd@danvilleva.gov if you want to ask specific safety questions.
You can sign up for emergency alerts through the Everbridge program. This will send public safety and severe weather information to your mobile device, whether you prefer texts, emails, or phone calls.
The city also has an alert center that is slightly different. For example, the Everbridge alerts will tell you that a flash flood warning has been issued. The city notifications will tell you where to get sandbags or what specific local roads are closed.
Danville Police use the P3 Tips app and website to allow people to submit suspicious activity or criminal actions while remaining anonymous. This tool is helpful if you see things like vandalism, evidence of break-ins, or drug deals.
As a railroad town, Danville has many intersections of roads and train tracks. Never try to beat a train or drive around the crossing arms. If there is any emergency, like your car is stuck on the tracks, look for the blue and white signs with an emergency phone number on it. If you are sitting in traffic, don’t wait on the tracks. Stay behind the white line.
See Click Fix is the name of the program that allows people to report issues within the city. This could be anything from a pothole in the road to a dead animal on the roadside. I love this tool because you can also see what other people have reported.
Before planning any activities on the river, check out the Dan River Basin Association website. There’s a water quality report for different points along the river and river levels, as well as a free downloadable guide to all access points. Keep in mind that the highest reports of water pollution or bacteria in the water usually happen after a storm.
Download the Go Outdoors Virginia app to get all the information you need about paddling, boating, and fishing safety. Plus, you’ll need to get a freshwater fishing license if you plan to go fishing while you’re here.
You have to be 21 years old or older to drink or gamble in Virginia, and that includes the new Caesars casino in Danville. People under 21 aren’t allowed on the casino floor or in the sportsbook, but there are common areas and private spaces, like the spa, where age limits aren’t in place.
Danville has several “hot parks” that provide free public Wi-Fi. As helpful as this is, it’s not a secure network, and you should limit your activity while using it. Checking a location on a map is fine, but checking your credit card statement or bank account is risky.

So... How Safe Is Danville Really?

The violent crime rate in Danville is 21% lower than the national average and 29% higher than the state average, according to 2023 crime data.

All but 6% of violent crimes over the past five years involved people who knew each other.

Half of all violent crimes happen in private homes.

Random acts of violent crime are unlikely.

“Over the last five years, we have worked together as a city to meet several goals, including reducing violent crime and establishing community-based policing, which has become the Danville model,” said then-Police Chief Scott Booth, who has since moved to Roanoke to lead the police department there as it deals with high crime rates.

Theft rates are almost double the national average, led by shoplifting, which accounts for 36% of all thefts.

Car break-ins and accessory thefts make up about one in four thefts.

You can lower that risk easily – just lock your car when you park and remove personal items.

Overall, Danville has a lot of potential.

Not all of that potential has been seen or achieved.

Violent crime rates are down 60% since a peak in 2016.

Yet, still, one in four people here live in poverty, and the annual income isn’t that much higher than the poverty level.

A new tourism bureau and an effort to put Danville on the map for good reasons and not be haunted by its somewhat shady history could make Danville the destination of the future.

You shouldn’t have concerns about visiting Danville, but most people would suggest you visit Roanoke if you have a choice between the two.

How Does Danville Compare?

City	Safety Index
Danville	76
Oakland	57
New Orleans	57
Baltimore	56
Boston	67
Washington DC	56
New York City	67
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)	61
Niagara Falls (Canada)	87
Calgary (Canada)	82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)	60
Vancouver (Canada)	82
Cordoba (Argentina)	61

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges. Avoid getting cash at the casino, or you'll be charged exorbitant fees.

Weather

Danville gets a nice mix of all four seasons, but the summers lean toward hot and humid while the winters are milder. This isn't a fancy place to visit, so keep your clothing casual and comfortable. Bug spray is needed for any outdoor activities.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Danville is Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, North Carolina, which is about 50 miles southwest. Another option is Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in Raleigh, North Carolina, located approximately 70 miles southeast. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Roanoke, Virginia, is around 90 miles northwest.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you from the costs of baggage theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Danville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 3° C

Feb 5° C

Mar 9° C

Apr 15° C

May 19° C

Jun 24° C

Jul 26° C

Aug 25° C

Sep 22° C

Oct 15° C

Nov 10° C

Dec 5° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	9	11	16	22	26	30	32	31	28	22	16	11
Low °C	-3	-2	2	7	12	17	20	19	15	8	3	-1
High °F	48	52	61	72	79	86	90	88	82	72	61	52
Low °F	27	28	36	45	54	63	68	66	59	46	37	30

Virginia - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Alexandria	47
Arlington	77
Blacksburg	79
Charlottesville	68
Chesapeake	69
Chincoteague Island	77
Danville	76
Hampton	67
Leesburg	72
Luray	81
Lynchburg	77
Newport News	68
Norfolk	43
Petersburg	52
Portsmouth	51
Richmond	60
Roanoke	47
Staunton	77
Virginia Beach	77
Waynesboro	78
Williamsburg	78
Yorktown	82

Is Danville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Virginia : Safety by City