Is Williamsburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city steeped in rich history and cultural significance, attracting millions of visitors each year.

It sits midway between Norfolk and Richmond in an area known as the Historic Triangle, connecting Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown.

Founded in 1632, it became the capital of the Colony of Virginia in 1699, playing a crucial role in America’s colonial and revolutionary history.

The city was a hub for political, cultural, and educational advancements, influencing the early development of the United States.

One of the primary draws is Colonial Williamsburg, an extensive living history museum that meticulously recreates 18th-century colonial life.

Visitors can engage with costumed interpreters, explore restored buildings, and witness reenactments, offering an immersive educational experience about America’s founding era.

It’s not just a tourist attraction; it’s a step back in time.

Beyond history, Williamsburg is on a peninsula tucked between the James and York Rivers.

You also get major theme parks and waterparks in addition to wetlands and various waterways.

It’s also home to the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693.

The fact that Williamsburg is so meticulously preserved is thanks to people like John D. Rockefeller, Junior, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who once said Williamsburg is home to “the most historic avenue in America.”

Warnings & Dangers in Williamsburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Williamsburg, but there is a lot to do if you like history and the outdoors.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Getting around Williamsburg is easy with various options, including the Colonial Williamsburg shuttle, taxis, rideshares, and bike rentals. Public buses serve major attractions, while car rentals offer flexibility for exploring nearby areas like Jamestown and Yorktown.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With just three pickpockets over the past five years, the risk is low. However, the potential is there, so don’t let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Williamsburg faces natural disaster risks such as hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms. The area can experience significant impacts from Atlantic hurricanes, leading to heavy rain and high winds. Flooding, especially in low-lying areas, poses a risk, as does the potential for severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Consider this a medium risk, especially during the hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Williamsburg hasn’t had more than nine robberies in a year going back a decade, and in 2022, there were just three. While nine highway robberies have happened in the past five years, that’s still a low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Williamsburg, like most U.S. cities, maintains heightened awareness of terrorism risks. The area has protocols and emergency plans in place to address potential threats. Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, just south of Williamsburg, would be considered a possible target, but it comes with a lot of stringent security measures, including restricted access, armed security personnel, and advanced surveillance systems to protect its sensitive military operations and materials.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. Read the “Avoiding Scams” section of the city’s website. It has a great summary of the most common scams. You can expect a low risk, but being informed helps keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women travelers in Williamsburg generally face low risks but should exercise common precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and staying aware of their surroundings. The city is considered safe for women of all ages.

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 Williamsburg shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Williamsburg

VisitWilliamsburg.com is the official city tourism site.

You can have a tourist guide mailed to you or download one online.

Jamestown and Yorktown have separate tourism websites, but all three offer overlapping information about each other.

Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living history museum in the United States.

It features more than 300 acres of historic buildings, gardens, and reenactments of 18th-century American life.

The Governor’s Palace is one of the highlights of Colonial Williamsburg.

This grand residence was home to the royal governors of the Colony of Virginia.

The palace and its meticulously recreated gardens offer a glimpse into the opulence of colonial governance.

It has Bridgerton vibes all the way through.

Bruton Parish Church, established in 1674, is still active today.

It has served as a place of worship for many prominent colonial figures and offers tours to visitors interested in its rich history and beautiful architecture.

Once the home of John D. Rockefeller Jr., Bassett Hall is where the famed family decided to preserve Colonial Williamsburg to the treasure it is today.

Bassett Hall offers insights into the lives of the wealthy during the colonial revival period.

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg include the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.

They house extensive collections of American and British antiques, ceramics, textiles, and folk art.

The website to learn more is colonialwilliamsburg.org.

This region has plenty of waterfront places to visit, with fishing, hiking, and paddling being the most popular activities.

Choose from the York River, James River, Chickahominy River, Lake Matoaka, Waller Mill Reservoir, and Taskinas Creek.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed amusement park offering thrilling rides, world-class shows, and beautiful landscaping.

Known for its top-rated roller coasters and family-friendly attractions, this is a great place for guests of all ages and interests.

One of my favorite parts about Busch Gardens is that you don’t have to love rollercoasters to get your money’s worth.

You can also visit Water Country USA during the summer, which is Virginia’s largest waterpark.

It’s just four miles from Busch Gardens, and there are ticket bundles for the waterpark, Colonial Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens available.

William and Mary’s campus is quite beautiful, and there are several fascinating spots to explore.

From the stunning sunken garden to the legendary love bridge to an unexpected echo chamber in a sculpture garden.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Museum in Williamsburg showcases the odd, unexplained, and imaginative aspects of the world and beyond.

There’s a mini-golf course at Ripley’s and one just down the street called Pirates Cove.

Places to Avoid in Williamsburg

You don’t need to worry about bad neighborhoods or dangerous parts of town in Williamsburg.

When visiting, you should consider Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Richmond as a regional destination so you can get a little bit of everything.

Focusing just on Williamsburg will give you a lot of history but not much culture beyond that.

Plus, it’s a retirement town, so any hope of nightlife down the road is not going to happen.

I did want to mention that there have been several fights/brawls/heated arguments at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

In one of the most recent incidents in 2024, an older man was attacked by what appeared to be three juveniles.

Nobody was seriously hurt, but the fight was caught on video and caused widespread concerns about safety.

It’s not that you need to avoid the tourist attractions.

Just watch out for heated tempers, especially when waiting in long lines, and don’t escalate a situation.

More importantly, don’t try to intervene.

Call for security or police if a fight is brewing.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Williamsburg

So... How Safe Is Williamsburg Really?

To begin with, Virginia ranks as one of the top 10 safest states in the United States.

Next, remember that crime rates are figured per 100,000 residents.

That means the six to eight million people who visit Williamsburg each year aren’t figured into the equation.

In the end, the small number of crimes in Williamsburg is minuscule when you think of the sheer volume of people who come through each year.

The violent crime rate is 9% lower than the state average and 46% lower than the national average.

Just 13% of violent crimes were against strangers, looking at the past five years of crime data.

Theft concerns in the busy tourist area shouldn’t be too concerning, but the rates do come in about 5% higher than the national average.

Nearly 35% of all thefts were listed as car break-ins or car accessory thefts, a risk that is easily reduced if you lock your car and remove all personal items inside.

Aside from basic common sense and standard personal safety protocols, there’s no reason to be concerned about visiting Williamsburg.

It’s a fantastic place to visit.

How Does Williamsburg 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

Williamsburg gets relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. Highs will reach near 90 (F) in the summer and the 50s during the winter. Spring and fall are pleasant, with highs in the 60s and 70s. You’ll need bug spray and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Airports

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is the closest, about 20 miles southeast of Williamsburg. About three flights a day go to and from Charlotte, North Carolina. The much larger Richmond International Airport (RIC), about 45 miles west of Williamsburg, offers a wider range of flights and services.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Domestic and international travelers benefit from peace of mind, ensuring they can fully enjoy the historic sites and attractions without worrying about unforeseen disruptions or expenses. Roadside assistance car insurance is helpful, too.

Williamsburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City