Virginia is generally regarded as a safe place to live, attracting folks from all over looking to settle down, start a life, and raise a family. That being said, the state is not completely exempt from crimes and other dangerous occurrences. This is especially true at nighttime, when darkness has a way of bringing about more suspicious activity than usual. While the following places may be some of the most charming and lovely during the day, they tend towards a darker side after the sun sets. The following is a list of towns, counties, and a few more specific places that have a history of particularly high crime and violence, and are considered the most dangerous places in Virginia.
1. Alexander Street (Norfolk)
While Alexander Street is a beautiful area in Norfolk, it was the site of two killings in 2010 that happened within months of each other. That year also saw 18 thefts and 15 assaults. Unfortunately, this street has continued to experience high crime rates in the years since and constantly makes the news for violence and crime.
2. Portsmouth
While Portsmouth is indeed a beautiful seaside town in Virginia, research performed by roadsnacks.net has frequently listed Portsmouth in the top five most dangerous cities in the state. According to the research site, this area of the state experiences lofty violent and property crimes. Portsmouth, with a population of 94,218, reported a total of 749 violent crimes in 2018. Of those, 482 were aggravated assaults. There were also 4,977 reported property crimes that year, including 958 cases of robbery.
3. Bunnyman's Bridge (Fairfax)
While most of the stories surrounding this spot in Fairfax lean towards the paranormal, it's also true that the area is prone to criminal activity. Legend has it that on Halloween night, a man dressed up as a bunny and threw hatchets at people who neared the bridge. While it's difficult to separate rumor from fact, there's no denying that this is a downright suspicious spot to be during the evenings, especially on Halloween night. If you're interested to hear more of this urban legend, we've written an article about it -- but just be warned, the details are not for the faint of heart.
4. Emporia
Although Emporia is a charming small town with a population under 6,000, it also has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the entire state. Overall, it experiences an above-average rate of violent and household crimes as well, and you can learn more at Crimegrade.org.
5. Russell County
Located in a historic and scenic part of Virginia, Russell County has unusually high violent and property crime rates. According to Crimegrade, a crime occurs every six hours and 24 minutes (on average) in Russell County, and those without home security systems are 300% more likely to be robbed in this county.
6. Richmond
The city of Richmond, with a population of approximately 200,000, experiences a significantly higher degree of murder, robbery, and assault than other areas of the state. Two of the most dangerous neighborhoods include South Side and Church Hill, although both of these areas are becoming increasingly safer and family-friendly than they have been in the past.
7. Franklin City
Franklin City has a population of nearly 8,500. Sadly, Franklin experiences higher rates of murder, assault, and violent crimes per capita. With a crime rate of 37 per one thousand residents, Franklin has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes. Put in perspective, one's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 27.
8. Newport News
The city of Newport News is best-known for its eponymous park, an oasis that's one of the most beloved outdoor places in the state. But with a population of approximately 180,000, it's an area that experiences higher crime rates than both the national and state average. According to statistics, there is a higher rate of murder, assault, and robbery per capita, and recent trends have shown that those rates are on the rise.
9. Martinsville
Located in southern Virginia, Martinsville City has a population of nearly 13,000. This area experiences more violent crimes than most areas in both the state and country. Specifically, these crimes include robberies and aggravated assaults. The Martinsville crime rate for 2018, for example, was 414.59 per 100,000 population, a 38.71% increase from 2017. You can learn more about the recent crime data for Martinsville at Neighborhood Scout.
While the places mentioned above may experience more violent and criminal activity than other places in Virginia, this does not mean that they should be avoided. As with all things, safety and common sense can go a long way. Are there any other places in Virginia that seem more dangerous at night? What do you consider to be the most dangerous places in Virginia? As always, feel free to share your experiences.
For some good news, hop over to this article for 15 of the safest and most peaceful places in Virginia.
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