Virginia Beach, a prominent coastal city in southeastern Virginia, stands as the most populous city in the state and ranks as the 44th most populous city nationwide. Renowned for its expansive sandy beaches, a picturesque three-mile boardwalk, and a prominent naval base, the city offers a blend of attractions. However, it’s vital to acknowledge that Virginia Beach also has areas more susceptible to crime and violence than others.
Drawing from the most recent crime data provided by the FBI and other sources, we’ve compiled a list of the top five neighborhoods in Virginia Beach city/county, Virginia, identified as the most dangerous.
These neighborhoods exhibit the highest rates of violent crime and property crime per capita within the city/county and are deemed unsafe for both residents and visitors. The list is ordered from the least to the most dangerous neighborhood, according to crime rates.
5. Bayside
Situated in northeast Virginia Beach along the Chesapeake Bay, Bayside boasts a population of approximately 16,000 people and a median household income of $61,000, slightly above the city/county average of $58,000. Bayside represents a diverse neighborhood filled with parks, schools, churches, and businesses. However, it contends with a relatively high crime rate compared to other parts of the city/county.
As per the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Bayside reported 1,096 crimes in 2020, equating to a crime rate of 68.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure includes 127 violent crimes (7.9 per 1,000) and 969 property crimes (60.6 per 1,000). Bayside’s crime rate surpasses the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 residents.
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4. Kempsville
Nestled in central Virginia Beach along Interstate 64, Kempsville boasts a population of around 20,000 people and a median household income of $60,000, slightly higher than the city/county average of $58,000. Kempsville comprises a residential area featuring single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes, alongside commercial and industrial zones along its main thoroughfares.
Kempsville confronts a notable crime rate compared to other parts of the city/county. Based on the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Kempsville reported 1,210 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 residents. This includes 103 violent crimes (5.2 per 1,000) and 1,107 property crimes (55.4 per 1,000), exceeding the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 residents.
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3. Green Run
Situated in south Virginia Beach along Princess Anne Road, Green Run is home to about 15,000 people with a median household income of $38,000—significantly below the city/county average of $58,000. Green Run represents a low-income neighborhood grappling with poverty, unemployment, drug issues, and gang activity. It registers a considerably high crime rate in comparison to other parts of the city/county.
According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Green Run reported 1,838 crimes in 2020, yielding a crime rate of 122.5 per 1,000 residents. This includes 189 violent crimes (12.6 per 1,000) and 1,649 property crimes (109.9 per 1,000), more than double the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 residents.
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2. Seatack
Seatack, situated in southeast Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, is home to about 9,000 people with a median household income of $46,000, falling below the city/county average of $58,000. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, it boasts numerous historic buildings and landmarks.
However, Seatack contends with a high crime rate relative to other parts of the city/county. Per the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Seatack reported 706 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 78.4 per 1,000 residents. This includes 75 violent crimes (8.3 per 1,000) and 631 property crimes (70.1 per 1,000), more than twice the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 residents.
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1. Oceanfront
Oceanfront, positioned in east Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, is home to approximately 11,000 people with a median household income of $37,000—the lowest in the city/county. Oceanfront serves as a popular tourist destination, featuring attractions like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, and the Virginia Aquarium. However, it reports the highest crime rate in the city/county.
According to the Virginia Beach Crime Map, Oceanfront recorded 3,479 crimes in 2020, translating to a crime rate of 316.3 per 1,000 residents. This encompasses 243 violent crimes (22.1 per 1,000) and 3,236 property crimes (294.2 per 1,000), which is more than six times the city/county average of 49.8 per 1,000 residents.
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Conclusion
These five neighborhoods in Virginia Beach city/county, Virginia, are deemed the most dangerous based on the latest available crime data. While these neighborhoods possess positive attributes and potential for improvement, they also present significant risks and challenges for both residents and visitors.
It’s imperative that individuals residing in or visiting these areas exercise caution, remain vigilant, and minimize their exposure to crime and violence.