Henrico County, situated in central Virginia, stands as the fourth most populous county within the state, encompassing a sprawling area of 437 square miles. The county’s hub and largest town is Chesterfield Court House, an integral part of the Richmond metropolitan area and the administrative and judicial nucleus of the region.
Henrico County offers an array of attractions and amenities for both its residents and visitors, including parks, museums, historic sites, and golf courses. Nevertheless, the county grapples with certain challenges related to crime and safety. Some neighborhoods within Henrico County contend with higher rates of violent and property crimes than others, necessitating vigilance among those residing in or visiting these areas.
Drawing from the most recent crime data provided by the FBI and other reputable sources, we have compiled a list of the five most perilous neighborhoods within Henrico County, Virginia. These neighborhoods exhibit the highest per capita rates of violent and property crimes within the county, rendering them unsafe for both residents and visitors alike. The list is presented in ascending order of danger based on crime rate.
5. Highland Springs
Highland Springs, a Census-Designated Place (CDP) located in eastern Henrico County along Route 33, is home to approximately 15,000 residents. The median household income in Highland Springs stands at $40,000, notably lower than the county average of $58,000. Highland Springs boasts a rich history, featuring landmarks such as Highland Springs High School, the Confederate Cemetery, and the Highland Springs Historic District.
However, the area grapples with a heightened crime rate in comparison to other parts of the county. According to the Henrico County Crime Map, Highland Springs reported 1,096 crimes in 2020, translating to a crime rate of 73 per 1,000 residents. Among these incidents, 127 were violent crimes (8.5 per 1,000), while 969 were property crimes (64.6 per 1,000). Highland Springs’ crime rate significantly exceeds the county average of 21.7 per 1,000 residents.
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4. Lakeside
Lakeside, another CDP situated in northern Henrico County along Route 1, is inhabited by roughly 11,000 residents. The median household income in Lakeside is $45,000, which falls below the county average of $58,000. Lakeside boasts a suburban landscape characterized by single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes, alongside attractions such as the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Bryan Park, and the Belmont Golf Course.
Despite these amenities, Lakeside contends with a substantially higher crime rate than other areas within the county. As per the Henrico County Crime Map, Lakeside reported 1,210 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 109.9 per 1,000 residents. Within this total, 103 were violent crimes (9.3 per 1,000), and 1,107 were property crimes (100.6 per 1,000). Lakeside’s crime rate exceeds the county average by more than fivefold, which stands at 21.7 per 1,000 residents.
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3. Sandston
Sandston, a CDP nestled in southeastern Henrico County along Route 60, boasts a population of around 7,000 residents and a median household income of $50,000, slightly lower than the county average of $58,000. This rural community is distinguished by its picturesque farms, woodlands, and lakes, offering attractions such as the Sandston Memorial Recreation Park, Sandston Library, and the Richmond International Airport.
However, Sandston encounters a heightened crime rate in comparison to other county regions. As reported by the Henrico County Crime Map, Sandston documented 150 crimes in 2020, reflecting a crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 residents. Among these incidents, 12 were violent crimes (1.7 per 1,000), while 138 were property crimes (19.7 per 1,000). Sandston’s crime rate nearly aligns with the county average of 21.7 per 1,000 residents.
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2. East Highland Park
East Highland Park, a CDP positioned in northeastern Henrico County along Interstate 64, accommodates roughly 14,000 residents. The median household income in this low-income neighborhood stands at $35,000, significantly lower than the county average of $58,000. East Highland Park grapples with issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Despite its crime rate being lower than the county average, it still ranks higher than most other CDPs within the county. As per the Henrico County Crime Map, East Highland Park reported 194 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents. Of these incidents, 13 were violent crimes (0.9 per 1,000), while 181 were property crimes (12.9 per 1,000).
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1. Montrose
Montrose, a CDP situated in eastern Henrico County along Route 5, is home to approximately 7,000 residents with a median household income of $32,000, the lowest in the county. This diverse neighborhood comprises various ethnic groups, including African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans.
Montrose boasts amenities like Montrose Elementary School, the Montrose Recreation Association, and the Montrose Shopping Center. However, it grapples with the highest crime rate within the county. As reported by the Henrico County Crime Map, Montrose recorded a staggering 3,479 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 496.9 per 1,000 residents.
Among these incidents, 243 were violent crimes (34.7 per 1,000), while 3,236 were property crimes (462.3 per 1,000). Montrose’s crime rate surpasses the county average by more than twenty-two times, which stands at 21.7 per 1,000 residents.
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Conclusion
These are the five most precarious neighborhoods within Henrico County, Virginia, as evidenced by the latest available crime data. While each of these neighborhoods possesses redeeming qualities and potential for improvement, they also present substantial risks and challenges to their residents and visitors.
Therefore, individuals residing in or visiting these areas should exercise prudence, remain vigilant, and minimize exposure to potential criminal activity and violence.