Virginia Beach, an internationally known seaside city in southeastern Virginia, is the state’s most populated city and the 44th most populous in the country. The city, known for its large sandy beaches, a scenic three-mile promenade, and a significant naval facility, has a variety of attractions. It is important to note, however, that some neighborhoods of Virginia Beach are more prone to crime and violence than others. We’ve produced a list of the top five most hazardous areas in Virginia Beach city/county, Virginia, based on the FBI’s most recent crime data and other sources.
These areas have the highest rates of violent and property crime per capita in the city/county and are considered hazardous for both residents and visitors. The list is ranked from least to most hazardous neighborhoods based on crime statistics.
1. Oceanfront
Oceanfront, located in east Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, has a population of around 11,000 people and the lowest median family income in the city/county at $37,000. The Oceanfront is a famous tourist destination, including attractions such as the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, and Virginia Aquarium. However, it has the highest crime rate in the city and county.
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According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Oceanfront had 3,479 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 316.3 per 1,000 people. This includes 243 violent crimes (22.1 per 1,000) and 3,236 property crimes (294.2 per 1,000), or more than six times the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 population.
2. Seatack
Seatack, located in southeast Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, has a population of around 9,000 people and a typical family income of $46,000, which is lower than the city/county average of $58,000. As one of Virginia Beach’s oldest neighborhoods, it is home to some historic structures and sites.
However, Seatack has a higher crime rate than other areas of the city/county. According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Seatack recorded 706 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 78.4 per 1,000 people. This includes 75 violent crimes (8.3 per 1,000) and 631 property crimes (70.1 per 1,000), which is more than double the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 people.
3. Green Run
Green Run, located on Princess Anne Road in south Virginia Beach, has a population of around 15,000 people with a typical family income of $38,000, which is much lower than the city and county average of $58,000. Green Run is a low-income community dealing with poverty, unemployment, drug problems, and gang activity. It has a very high crime rate when compared to other regions of the city/county.
According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Green Run had 1,838 offenses in 2020, for a crime rate of 122.5 per 1,000 people. This includes 189 violent crimes (12.6 per 1,000) and 1,649 property crimes (109.9 per 1,000), which is more than double the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 people.
4. Kempsville
Kempsville, located in central Virginia Beach along Interstate 64, has a population of around 20,000 people and a typical family income of $60,000, which is somewhat higher than the city/county average of $58,000. Kempsville is mostly a residential area with single-family houses, apartments, and mobile homes, as well as business and industrial zones along its major thoroughfares.
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Kempsville has a higher crime rate than other regions of the city/county. According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Kempsville had 1,210 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 people. This comprises 103 violent crimes (5.2 per 1,000) and 1,107 property crimes (55.4 per 1,000), which outnumber the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 population.
5. Bayside
Bayside, located in northeast Virginia Beach along the Chesapeake Bay, has a population of around 16,000 people and a typical household income of $61,000, which is somewhat higher than the city/county average of $58,000. Bayside is a varied area complete with parks, schools, churches, and businesses. However, it has a higher crime rate than the rest of the city/county.
According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Bayside recorded 1,096 crimes in 2020, with a crime rate of 68.5 per 1,000 people. This total comprises 127 violent crimes (7.9 per 1,000) and 969 property crimes (60.6 per 1,000). Bayside’s crime rate exceeds the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 people.
Final Words
Certain areas in Virginia Beach, a scenic area known for its beaches and military installations, suffer unique crime-related difficulties. The bustling Oceanfront, the historic Seatack, the low-income Green Run, the residential Kempsville, and the diversified Bayside all face various crime rates, which influence safety perceptions.
While each area has its distinct characteristics, recognizing and resolving crime problems is critical for creating a safe environment and safeguarding the well-being of residents and tourists throughout Virginia Beach’s different communities.