Is Virginia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

If you’re looking to experience excellent weather, beaches, mountains, and history on your trip to the United States, then Virginia is a state you can’t afford to miss.

With its proximity to the nation’s capital – Washington D.C. – and positioning in the Southern United States, Virginia offers a mix of urban excitement, the colonial architecture and hospitality that define the American South, and the breathtaking views of Appalachia.

Not only does this state offer some of the best beaches and weather that you can find on the United States East Coast, but it is also an incredibly safe destination.

Before booking your trip to Virginia, check out this list of anything you may need to look out for to ensure your time is as safe as possible.

Warnings & Dangers in Virginia

OVERALL RISK: LOW

While Virginia has experienced a slight crime increase in recent years, it is still a perfectly safe travel destination, and it has the lowest violent crime rate in the whole South-Eastern United States and the sixth-lowest violent crime rate in the country. Even though Virginia is very safe, remember to follow safety precautions and not travel to dangerous neighborhoods to make sure your trip is as safe as possible.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis, public transportation, and ridesharing services are all safe to use in Virginia. Like anywhere else, just be mindful of your surroundings and your property. When riding in taxis, remember to ride in the back seat and keep windows open.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpocketing is, unfortunately, a problem anywhere you go, but since Virginia has a property crime rate that is well below the national average, you won’t have to worry too much about this happening to you. Just be aware of your surroundings, and don’t leave your hotel with anything too valuable.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Virginia has a mild, subtropical climate, and natural disasters are uncommon. With that being said, Summers and Falls see their fair share of cyclones, tornadoes, and the occasional hurricane. If you are traveling to Virginia’s mountainous regions during the Winter and Spring, then you can expect to see heavy snowfall and blizzards. If you are traveling during times when severe weather is common, then keep an eye on the forecast and pay attention to weather warnings.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Virginia has some of the lowest property crime and violent crime rates in the country, so the odds you will face a mugging are very low. Avoid walking through dangerous neighborhoods or poorly-lit areas whenever possible.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

In October 2021, Virginia’s law enforcement was placed on high alert following the discovery of a possible ISIS-linked terror plot. However, nothing ever developed from this alleged planned attack. Keep in mind that Virginia has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country, and the state’s proximity to Washington D.C. means that it is well protected. During your trip, you are in very little danger.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Tourists are targeted by scammers and panhandlers everywhere in the world, and Virginia is no exception. To avoid being scammed, simply go about your business and don't engage in conversations with strangers. To be extra safe, research what local scams are popular in Virginia before you travel.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Virginia has a very low violent crime rate compared to the rest of the country, so solo travelers should feel perfectly safe in Virginia. Just to be safe, stay in groups when possible and don't wander into unfamiliar or dimly lit areas.

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

The tap water in Virginia’s urban areas is safe to drink and use. For example, Richmond Virginia’s tap water is regularly treated and continuously meets or surpasses EPA thresholds. However, rural, Appalachian areas often experience issues accessing clean water, so keep this in mind depending on where in the state you plan on traveling.

Safest Places to Visit in Virginia

Since Virginia has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the county, you should have no worries about booking your trip to this beautiful and historic state.

Even the urban areas and tourist hubs throughout the state are extremely safe, and according to FBI statistics, Virginia Beach has one of the lowest violent crime rates for a city of its size.

Cities like Lexington and Alexandria also have crime rates that are well below the national average.

Places to Avoid in Virginia

While Virginia is one of the safest, most historic, and most beautiful states in the country, like everywhere else, it has its fair share of spots that should be avoided.

The Woodville, Fairfield, and Gilpin neighborhoods in Richmond have violent crime rates that are above the national average, and they are best avoided on your travels.

These are the main urban areas of Virginia, however, more rural towns like Galax and Danville have violent crime rates that are above the national average.

You should keep in mind though that the areas throughout the state with the highest crime rates are in rural areas and have low populations, which will increase any violent crime per capita that occurs there.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Virginia

So... How Safe Is Virginia Really?

Virginia is a perfectly safe travel destination, and if you have any desire to see one of the most historic states in the Union with gorgeous colonial architecture, then visiting Virginia is a must.

Although some neighborhoods in Virginia’s cities like Richmond and Norfolk are best avoided and have their share of safety concerns, the state offers so much for those looking to experience Southern charm, tradition, beaches, and tranquil weather.

During your trip, you can maximize your safety by following simple safety guidelines.

Stay out of dimly lit areas and bad neighborhoods, be wary of scammers and accepting unsolicited help, and don’t bring important documents out of the hotel room with you unless it is necessary.

If you keep these in mind, your trip to Virginia is sure to be a safe and pleasant one.

How Does Virginia Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

If your home country is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can stay in the United States for 90 days without a visa. Otherwise, you will need either a B-1 visa if they are traveling for business or a B-2 visa if they are traveling for leisure. For assistance and more information, go to usembassy.gov to find out what specific requirements travelers from your home country have before they can travel to the United States.

Currency

Like most countries, you can get the best rate on currency exchange by taking care of it at the airport upon entry. If you are flying into Ronald Regan Washington National Airport, there is a currency exchange office on the concourse level of Terminal C. Likewise, at the Norfolk International Airport, you can exchange foreign currency for U.S. dollars at the CXI MacArthur Center.

Weather

Because Virginia has a mild, sub-tropical climate, you will find the weather to be some of the most pleasant that you will find anywhere in the United States. Keep in mind that Summer and Fall in Virginia present severe weather risks including cyclones and tornadoes, so keep this in mind as you book your trip. However, aside from the occasional storm, there are very few weather risks in Virginia.

Airports

If you are flying into Virginia from overseas, then you are probably going to fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which services the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, or the Norfolk International Airport. Both airports are large and easy to navigate, and taxis are easily available at Ronald Reagan 24/7.

Travel Insurance

The best way to protect yourself and your belongings while traveling is to buy travel insurance. It may feel expensive at the moment, but you will be happy you bought it in the event of an unfortunate accident, or you are the victim of a crime.

Virginia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City