Is Lynchburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Lynchburg, Virginia, is known as the City of Seven Hills and a place Thomas Jefferson once called “the most interesting spot in the state.”

The hills themselves have been integral to Lynchburg’s development since its founding in 1786.

The terrain provided natural fortifications and strategic advantages, particularly during the Civil War.

Each hill has its own distinct identity and historical importance.

However, there are far more than seven hills here, so be prepared for a lot of stairs and steep roads.

The downtown area lays out like a wonderful amphitheater, lined with art, history, and shopping dotted with scenic viewpoints of the James River and Blue Ridge Mountains.

The food scene is tremendous and you simply must try the barbecue.

Jefferson loved this area so much that he built a home away from home just west of Lynchburg, a National Historic Site still open for tour today.

Plus, access to the Blue Ridge Parkway is no more than 30 minutes away.

Hiking trails fill the community if you’d rather walk through the mountains or along the river.

A few days ago, I wrote the article “How Safe Is Danville for Travel?” and one of the biggest problems with the city is the number of cities with a lot of attractions nearby.

After writing several more stories about adjacent cities, I now see the problem.

Places like Lynchburg are well worth leaving the interstate and winding along the roads to reach.

Warnings & Dangers in Lynchburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Lynchburg as crime rates have been lowered over the past several years. Plus, with so much to do, I would consider adding an extra day to your itinerary.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) offers reliable bus services throughout the city. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available. With nearly 2,500 parking spots downtown, it makes sense to have a rental car as well. All options come with a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

I continue to be surprised by the small and medium-sized cities that don't have pickpocket or purse snatching problems. The past five years of crime data show an average of five pickpockets or snatchings annually.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Lynchburg faces natural disaster risks, including flooding, particularly from the James River, and occasional severe storms with high winds and tornadoes. Winter storms can bring ice and snow, and while there isn't a lot of snow expected in any given winter, even a little bit can make walking or driving in this hilly city challenging.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates are 47% lower than the national average and are down 30% from the past decade. About one in four robberies are "highway robberies," the category that includes muggings. The risk is low, but use basic precautions like not walking around at night in unlit areas and limiting the valuables you wear or carry with you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, but the emergency management department does have a wealth of information about what is done to keep people safe from terrorism and other emergencies. If you see anything suspicious, you are asked to call the Virginia Fusion Center at 877-4VA-TIPS.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Lynchburg is generally safe for women travelers, especially considering the bulk of violent crime is domestic. Standard precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings, are advised.

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 report for Lynchburg shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Lynchburg

The city’s official tourism site is lynchburgvirginia.org.

You’ll see that the city is often referred to by the letters LYH.

You can download a free visitor’s guide on that website without having to give personal information.

Downtown Lynchburg is known as the Central Business District.

Check out the downtownlynchburg.com website to see a list of restaurants, businesses, parks, and shops.

This district is known for its unique layout characterized by its hilly terrain and multiple elevations.

Main Street, which runs parallel to the James River and forms the central spine of the area.

One of the standout features of downtown Lynchburg is the Bluffwalk, a pedestrian walkway that runs along the bluff overlooking the James River while connecting various parts of downtown and historic districts.

Just west of downtown is the Courthouse Hill Historic District, with a calf-burning number of stairs leading to the courthouse.

Stop at Monument Terrace for more views overlooking the river and mountains.

You’ll likely want to catch your breath after climbing the 139 stairs to reach it.

The Lynchburg Museum is right across the street, with helpful information about the Seven Hills of Lynchburg and unique artifacts.

Amazement Square is a children’s museum in the truest sense – adults aren’t allowed unless they are with children.

Lynchburg has several historical spots to learn about African American history and civil rights, including the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum and the Legacy Museum of African American History.

Walking tours are also available to let the experts lead the way, with options from history to art to architecture.

Located along the banks of the James River, Riverfront Park is a spacious and scenic area ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

Check for local activities or events at the amphitheater.

Lynchburg boasts an array of scenic trail systems perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

I’ve been trying to find a way to briefly tell you about them, but this is an impressive layout.

The city parks and recreation department has a full list and a very helpful map.

Essentially, trails run along both sides of Blackwater Creek and along the James River, with Percivals Island Natural Area offering a primitive landscape with views of the city rising above.

Just outside of town is Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a historic plantation where Jefferson could escape the public eye and spend time with his family or pursue his interests.

The National Historic Site is open most of the year for tours.

Places to Avoid in Lynchburg

I would be really hesitant to use any crime mapping website that has data earlier than 2023.

The number just won’t necessarily be accurate for a trip in 2024 and beyond.

While no part of town is considered “too dangerous,” there are some pockets of crime that can pop up.

We’ll talk more about how the police are addressing this a few sections down in this article.

At the same, most of the blighted areas are pretty easy to identify.

It’s wise to stick to the main streets and highways when driving around.

Timberlake Road is also known for its congestion and delays.

As more retail businesses are added, that issue will only get more frustrating.

If you don’t need to visit a business on that street, you might be better off finding a detour.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Lynchburg

So... How Safe Is Lynchburg Really?

The violent crime rate is 48% higher than the state average and 8% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, violent crime rates have been down 16%.

Several Virginia cities are part of a task force called Operation Ceasefire, which is a multi-agency group focusing on reducing gun and other violent crimes in specific cities.

Lynchburg is one of them.

“It focuses on three things: prevention, intervention and prosecution,” Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema said.

“We are trying to get into the community and address those individuals that have gone down a bad path.

We want to make sure we catch them at an early age for those who are thinking about getting into gangs or guns.”

The program has been successful since it was launched in 2022, especially when it comes to homicides in Lynchburg.

Numbers have been cut in half.

In 2023, Lynchburg police confiscated almost 400 firearms.

By and large, violent crime in Lynchburg involves people who know each other.

Just 8% of violent crime victims were unknown to their assailants, and 38% of crimes happened in residential areas.

Theft rates are 33% higher than the national rates.

On average, about five cars a week get broken into in Lynchburg and another five are stolen.

Lynchburg police use “stratified policing,” which is a fancy way to say they focus on crime hot spots as soon as problems start happening.

Common sense and basic safety measures go a long way to enjoying your visit to Lynchburg, Virginia.

How Does Lynchburg 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 before you start racking up charges.

Weather

All four seasons abound in Lynchburg, with winters being relatively mild. Less than a foot of snow falls annually, and highs can get into the 50s. On the flip side, summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures getting into the 90s before the humidity makes the "feels-like" temperature hotter.

Airports

Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) is a small airport, but there are daily flights to Charlotte. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA is just 50 miles west and provides more flight options.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects against the costs of baggage loss/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.

Lynchburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City