Is Leesburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Leesburg, Virginia, is a versatile town steeped in history and located just about 35 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1758, Leesburg has preserved much of its colonial heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks.

The town played significant roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, with numerous historical sites and museums that reflect its storied past.

The city is home to 45,000 and the seat of Louden County, known as D.C.’s Wine Country.

Leesburg is also an antique lover’s dream, with many stores to visit and historical sites to inspire.

You also get a great location between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastline of D.C. and Maryland.

The heart of the city is in the historic downtown, where you can eat your way through Restaurant Row.

Even the parks of Leesburg bring historical spots to explore.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue or special event spot, just about every park offers something unique.

It’s important to note that when you’re researching Leesburg, it’s part of Northern Virginia, which is referred to as NoVa online.

Leesburg is also in an area known as the Piedmont, between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastal plain.

Warnings & Dangers in Leesburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Leesburg, which is more to say there’s an average risk. Most of the places to visit are in safe areas with plenty of security and engaging fun.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check out the Louden County Transit and Commuter Services website to see if the options there suit your needs. At least three routes go through Leesburg. You can also take a train from Washington to Leesburg. Taxis, rideshares and rental cars are easy to find, and all come with a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About five pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year based on the past five years of crime data. That’s a low risk, but there’s an average theft rate. Standard personal safety measures should be enough to keep the risk low.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Leesburg, Virginia, faces a medium risk from natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and severe storms, primarily due to its proximity to the coast and waterways. While tornadoes are rare, they aren’t unheard of. All risks here come with plenty of advance notice if you’re staying aware of the forecast and signed up for alerts.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with the robbery rate being 60% lower than the national average. Of the 16 robberies that happened in 2022, four were highway robberies.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Leesburg, Virginia, has a relatively low risk of terrorism. While the town's proximity to Washington, D.C., means it could be affected by broader regional threats, local authorities maintain vigilance and preparedness. The ongoing message from law enforcement is “See Something, Say Something,” meaning you should report any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The Louden County Sheriff’s Office website has a great list of common scam tactics, and the local police department posts any new scams on social media. The risk is low, but review the Better Business Bureau website to keep it that way.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women face a low risk here, but that must come with ongoing personal safety steps. With so many varieties of things to do, it’s a great spot for females of all generations.

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 2023 report for Leesburg shows full compliance and no health violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Leesburg

Leesburg is in Louden County, and the official tourism site for both is VisitLouden.org.

Since Louden County covers a dozen cities, look for the Leesburg section on the website.

You can download a visitor’s guide, wine trail guide, craft beverage guide, or ale trail guide on the tourism site.

You don’t need to give personal information to download the guides, but you will need to if you want to get one mailed to you.

Another option is to download the Tour Leesburg app and choose from more than half a dozen self-guided tours.

Strolling through the historic downtown area is a must.

You’ll find beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops on cobblestone streets.

The Leesburg Courthouse and the Loudoun Museum provide glimpses into the town’s rich past.

More information can be found at downtownleesburgva.org.

Morven Park is a sprawling 1,000-acre estate featuring the historic Davis Mansion, meticulously maintained gardens, and numerous hiking trails.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the mansion, explore the scenic grounds, and attend various equestrian events held on the property.

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia, is a beautiful 360-acre estate dating back to the early 1800s.

This National Trust Historic Site invites visitors to explore its grand Greek Revival mansion filled with period antiques.

Guided tours and self-guided maps are available.

Rust Nature Sanctuary covers 68 acres, offering diverse habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and ponds.

It provides a peaceful environment for bird-watching, hiking, and learning about local wildlife through educational programs and guided tours.

Leesburg Animal Park is a family-friendly destination with a variety of domestic and exotic animals.

The park offers interactive experiences such as petting and feeding animals, pony rides, and seasonal events like pumpkin patches and holiday lights displays.

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield commemorates a significant early conflict in the Civil War.

The park features a small national cemetery, interpretive trails, and guided tours that provide insights into the battle’s history and

impact. Check the schedule of events for reenactments.

You also get great views of the Potomac River here.

Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Park is another must-see for spectacular river views.

The ruins of several historic buildings are here with informational kiosks.

Several miles of trails wind through this peaceful spot, perfect in fall foliage or for wildflower hunting in spring.

The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park trail is perfect for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely walk.

The 45-mile-long trail runs through Leesburg and offers a scenic route to enjoy the outdoors and see more of the area.

The “WOD” goes as far east as Arlington and as far west as Purcellville.

The city has several shopping areas, including the Village at Leesburg, which is filled with restaurants, shops, and special events, as well as Leesburg Premium Outlets for discount shopping.

Places to Avoid in Leesburg

You don’t need to worry about parts of Leesburg that are too dangerous to visit.

While some parts might be more upscale, there isn’t a bad part of town.

Theft is the biggest problem in this community, from breaking into cars on the streets to shoplifting.

You should avoid interfering with a crime in progress.

Leave that to the police.

What looks like a simple petty theft could end up turning violent if the criminals are confronted.

Be sure to avoid leaving your car doors unlocked or personal items inside the car.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Leesburg

So... How Safe Is Leesburg Really?

Leesburg is considered a relatively safe community that is family-friendly and has a convenient location.

Violent crime is 31% higher than the state average, but keep in mind that Virginia ranks among the top 10 safest states.

That rate is still 23% lower than the national average.

On top of that, just 20% of violent crimes happen against strangers, with 44% of them occurring in private homes over the past five years.

Theft rates sit at the national average, with 42% of that attributed to shoplifting.

I dug a little deeper into that topic and found out some organized crime was connected to shoplifting.

For the most part, though, police and prosecutors say shoplifting is turning dangerous, if not violent, for retail workers and customers.

They are taking a “no holds buried” approach to cracking down.

“It’s not a crime of need.

It’s a crime of greed,” Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat emphasized when referring to organized retail crime.

“You go there and you shoplift.

They’re going to flag it, we’re going to catch you, we’re going to charge you, and you’re going to be held accountable.”

By and large, that’s the biggest safety risk in Leesburg.

Common sense, situational awareness, and reporting suspicious activity go a long way here.

How Does Leesburg 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, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our 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.

Weather

You’ll get the standard four seasons here, with winter temperatures dropping below freezing at night but up to the mid-40s during the day. Summers are hot and humid, with highs near the 90s. Spring and fall are pleasant, but bring layers of clothing for fluctuating temperatures.

Airports

Dulles International Airport is just 15 miles from Leesburg, while Reagan National (DCA) is about 45 miles away. Both airports are large and offer plenty of flights for all travel plans.

Travel Insurance

Some people don’t realize that travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. If you're getting a rental car in this region, consider extra insurance to cover roadside assistance and/or uninsured motorists' coverage.

Leesburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City