Is Hampton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Hampton, Virginia, is a waterfront community just across the Chesapeake Bay from Norfolk.

While many cities in this region can claim to be historic, Hampton has been part of just about every critical moment in the building of America, for better and for worse.

It’s also poised to play a role in the future of the world and space exploration.

Founded in 1610, Hampton is one of America’s oldest continuous English-speaking settlements.

Fort Monroe, a decommissioned military base, served for more than 400 years and saw the beginning and end of slavery in the U.S.

Hampton’s economy is diverse, with strong ties to the military and defense sectors, supported by nearby Langley Air Force Base and NASA’s Langley Research Center.

The city also thrives on tourism, education, and healthcare.

With a working waterfront and miles of sandy beaches, there’s something for every visitor in Hampton.

First, we need to talk about some important safety steps when visiting this maritime town.

Warnings & Dangers in Hampton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low but closing in on medium in some areas, like property crimes. It's important to stay in the entertainment district and public gathering spots when visiting Hampton due to high crime areas.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Hampton Roads Transit offers routes around the city or the region. Taxis and rideshares will be easy to find, and rental cars are widely available. All options are an average risk, but be aware that there is a lot of traffic in this region.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About a dozen pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year in Hampton, which isn't that many, but it's among the higher average numbers in Virginia. The risk is low, but the overall theft risk is a solid medium. Keep your belongings secured, and don't leave anything in the car thinking it's safer there - it is not.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Like any coastal community, Hampton faces significant natural disaster risks, including hurricanes, nor'easters, flooding, and storm surge. The region also experiences occasional tornadoes. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and the peak of that season is from August through October.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Robbery rates have been cut in half since 2018 and were at the national average in 2023. About one in five robberies are highway robberies, but I'd treat this as a medium risk based on the ruthless behavior of criminals here.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The risk is medium due to the presence of NASA and Langley Air Force Base nearby. Plus, hazardous materials are carried in and out of Hampton on trains and trucks. Because of the elevated risk, security is abundant. The city's website has a section about anti-terrorism vigilance, which should be a reassuring thing to read.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams are abundant in Hampton Roads, but they mostly target residents, and scammers use common tactics. You can learn more through the Better Business Bureau or the police department's website. Being informed is the best way to keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent news reports suggests women would be at a higher risk, but you should use big-city safety steps as you would if you were visiting a place like D.C. or Philadelphia. Don't go out at night alone, especially in unknown and poorly lit parts of town. Most beaches are closed after dark, which is a good thing to know now.

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. The 2024 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations for Hampton.

Safest Places to Visit in Hampton

When looking for resources about Hampton, you can use the downtown Hampton website, the city’s website, or the VisitHampton.com tourism website.

The latter has a free guide to download with all kinds of helpful information.

It’s worth noting that Hampton is a city in a region known as Hampton Roads.

The larger region includes Norfolk, Newport News, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and into North Carolina.

Hampton and Hampton Roads are not the same thing, but Hampton is in Hampton Roads.

Downtown Hampton, VA, offers a blend of history, culture, and scenic waterfront views.

You can download cell phone tours of the city, which provide maps and audio for various topics.

I’d recommend the neighborhood tour to get a lay of the land.

You can also pick up maps and brochures at the visitor’s center, which happens to be right next to the History Museum.

Also downtown, visit the Virginia Air and Space Center to explore aerospace exhibits and an IMAX theater.

For art enthusiasts, the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center showcases contemporary and traditional works.

Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, take a harbor cruise, or book a fishing charter.

If you want to take part in as much as possible, look at the ticket packages on the tourism website to find deals on multiple attraction purchases.

Near the Coliseum is the convention center, where you can find major retailers like Bass Pro Shops.

Air Power Park is in this area, too, with several acres of historical aircraft and a museum of models inside.

Bring some quarters if you’re heading to Bluebird Gap Farm, as there are dozens of animals here, and vending machines dispense food for the goats and some other critters.

Plus, there’s an arboretum and historic barn to tour.

Fort Monroe in Hampton is the largest stone-masonry fort ever built on American soil.

The 400-year-old fort is known as “Freedom’s Fortress.”

The grounds include the fort, a museum, several historic homes, and a lighthouse.

There is also a public beach and a fishing pier here.

Places to Avoid in Hampton

The most dangerous part of town is off of Shell Road near the Wythe area, but it’s not necessarily a place where you would randomly end up unless you were lost.

To get a better grasp of crime trends closer to your visit, use the Community Crime Map from the police department’s website.

It allows you to set a timeline, pick certain crimes, and look in various neighborhoods for the most recent reports.

The downtown area and convention center part of town have higher property crime rates, but that’s due to more people, more vehicles in one place, and more crimes of opportunity.

The safest spots are on the far east side of town, near the beaches, but that’s also the farthest away from all the other attractions.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Hampton

So... How Safe Is Hampton Really?

Violent crime rates are 35% lower than the national average and 10% higher than the state average.

The risk for tourists or visitors goes down even more when we look at the past five years of data, which shows just 7% of strangers are victims of violent crimes.

The new police chief in Hampton punctuated that last point at a city council meeting in late 2023.

“Random violence against innocent parties, or random citizens is infrequent,” Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman said.

The violence rates are being fueled by those in the 18 to 30 years old range, so police are focusing on reaching juveniles before they potentially join a gang or get involved in illegal activity.

Community patrols are centered on reducing gun, gang, and drug crimes while targeting crime hot spots.

A multi-agency task force known as Operation Ceasefire is focused on tracking down violent crime suspects and holding them accountable while also limiting any potential retaliatory violence.

The task force started in 2022 and has been relatively successful in most communities, which includes Hampton.

The theft rate is 87% higher than the national average in 2023.

However, 47% of that is attributed to shoplifting.

Another 40% are tied to car break-ins and car accessory thefts.

The best way to lower that risk is by locking your vehicle, rolling up the windows, and removing any hint of personal items from inside every time you park.

On average, at least one car is stolen each day in Hampton.

Even more shocking is the number of cars stolen or broken into that are left unlocked and/or with guns inside.

Largely, if you have nothing to do with gangs, drugs, or guns, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about here other than street smarts, avoiding the most dangerous parts of town, and common sense.

How Does Hampton Compare?

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.

Weather

The seasons are pretty standard here, with the only notable concern being the humidity in summer. You'll want loose, light layers of clothing and prepare to sweat a lot. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and since the city is near the water, avoid wearing things that can blow away easily, like a wide-brimmed hat.

Airports

Norfolk International Airport is just 15 miles from Hampton, but you do need to cross the bay. That could make it take as long as 30 minutes to an hour to get to the airport.

Travel Insurance

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

Hampton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City