Henrico County, located in central Virginia, is the state’s fourth most populated county, spanning 437 square miles. Chesterfield Court House, the county’s heart and largest town, is a vital element of the Richmond metropolitan area and serves as the region’s administrative and judicial nucleus.
Henrico County has a variety of activities and services for both residents and visitors, including parks, museums, historic sites, and golf courses. Nonetheless, the county has several issues in terms of crime and safety. Some communities in Henrico County have greater rates of violent and property crime than others, prompting increased awareness among individuals who live or visit there.
We developed a list of the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Henrico County, Virginia, using the most recent crime statistics from the FBI and other credible sources. These communities have the highest per capita rates of violent and property crimes in the county, making them dangerous for residents and visitors alike. The list is provided in escalating order of hazards according to the crime rate.
1. Montrose
Montrose, a census-designated place in eastern Henrico County along Route 5, with around 7,000 inhabitants and the county’s lowest median family income of $32,000. This ethnically diverse area is home to African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans.
Montrose is home to Montrose Elementary School, the Montrose Recreation Association, and the Montrose Shopping Center. However, it has the highest crime rate in the county. According to the Henrico County Crime Map, Montrose registered a stunning 3,479 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 496.9 per 1,000 people. 243 of these events were violent (34.7 per 1,000), while 3,236 were property offenses (462.3 per 1,000). Montrose’s crime rate exceeds the county average by more than twenty-two times, at 21.7 per 1,000 people.
2. East Highland Park
East Highland Park, a census-designated place (CDP) near Interstate 64 in northeastern Henrico County, with around 14,000 people. The typical household income in this low-income area is $35,000, much less than the county average of $58,000. East Highland Park is dealing with difficulties including poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, and gang activity.
Despite having a lower crime rate than the county average, it is still higher than most other CDPs in the county. According to the Henrico County Crime Map, East Highland Park had 194 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 people. Of these instances, 13 were violent crimes (0.9 per 1,000), and 181 were property crimes (12.9 per 1,000).
3. Sandston
Sandston is a census-designated place located along Route 60 in southern Henrico County, with a population of around 7,000 people and a typical household income of $50,000, which is somewhat lower than the county average of $58,000. This rural neighborhood is known for its gorgeous farms, forests, and lakes, as well as attractions including Sandston Memorial Recreation Park, Sandston Library, and Richmond International Airport.
However, Sandston has a higher crime rate than other county regions. According to the Henrico County Crime Map, Sandston registered 150 offenses in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people. Among these events, 12 were violent (1.7 per 1,000), and 138 were property crimes (19.7 per 1,000). Sandston’s crime rate is practically identical to the county average of 21.7 per 1,000 persons.
4. Lakeside
Lakeside, another CDP on Route 1 in northern Henrico County, with a population of around 11,000 people. The typical household income in Lakeside is $45,000, which is less than the county average of $58,000. Lakeside’s suburban environment includes single-family houses, apartments, and townhomes, as well as amenities including the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Bryan Park, and the Belmont Golf Course.
Despite these benefits, Lakeside has a significantly higher crime rate than other neighborhoods in the county. According to the Henrico County Crime Map, Lakeside had 1,210 offenses in 2020, for a crime rate of 109.9 per 1,000 people. This total included 103 violent crimes (9.3 per 1,000) and 1,107 property crimes (100.6 per 1,000). Lakeside’s crime rate exceeds the county average by more than five times, at 21.7 per 1,000 population.
5. Highland Springs
Highland Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) on Route 33 in eastern Henrico County, with a population of around 15,000 people. Highland Springs’ median household income is $40,000, substantially lower than the county average of $58,000. Highland Springs has a rich history, including notable sites such as Highland Springs High School, the Confederate Cemetery, and the Highland Springs Historic District.
However, the region has a higher crime rate than the rest of the county. Highland Springs had 1,096 incidents reported in 2020, according to the Henrico County Crime Map, resulting in a crime rate of 73 per 1,000 people. 127 of these instances were violent crimes (8.5 per 1,000), with 969 being property crimes (64.6 per 1,000). Highland Springs’ crime rate is much higher than the county average of 21.7 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Conclusion
Henrico County, Virginia, known for its diverse options, has different crime rates among areas. Montrose, East Highland Park, Sandston, Lakeside, and Highland Springs have high crime rates, stressing the need for focused safety measures. Residents and tourists should be cautious in these regions owing to the high crime risk.