VIRGINIA, USA — Violent crime across Virginia declined in 2024, continuing a downward trend in several major categories, according to the newly released Crime in Virginia report from the Virginia State Police.
The annual report, published by the State Police Criminal Justice Information Services Division, shows Virginia recorded 16,853 violent crime offenses and 19,480 victims in 2024. That represents a 7% decrease in violent crime offenses and a 6.5% drop in victims compared to 2023. Violent crime in the report includes murder, rape and other forcible sex offenses, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Homicides continue to fall
The number of reported homicides dropped from 520 in 2023 to 421 in 2024, a 19% decrease and part of a decline that began in 2022. The statewide murder rate fell from 5.96 to 4.78 per 100,000 people.
Nearly half of all homicides occurred inside a residence or home. Data show victims and known offenders tended to be younger and male, with 39.9% of victims and 53% of offenders identified as men between the ages of 18 and 34. Firearms were used in 86.6% of homicides, making them the most common weapon.
Hampton Roads leads in officer-involved shootings
The report also shows Hampton Roads accounted for the largest share of officer-involved shootings in Virginia in 2024. Of the roughly 45 incidents reported statewide, 14 occurred in Hampton Roads jurisdictions, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Suffolk, and York County. That means nearly one-third of all officer-involved shootings in the Commonwealth last year took place in the region…