Shore sees decline in 2024 violent crime, mirroring statewide trends

Violent crime on Virginia’s Eastern Shore mirrored broader statewide trends in 2024, with overall levels remaining relatively low and most categories either declining or holding steady, according to newly released data from the Virginia State Police.

The figures are part of the Commonwealth’s official annual report, Crime in Virginia, which compiles crime data submitted by state and local law enforcement agencies. Statewide, Virginia recorded 16,853 violent crime offenses and 19,480 victims in 2024, a decrease of 7.0 percent in offenses and 6.5 percent in victims compared to 2023. Violent crime includes murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

On the Eastern Shore, Accomack County reported declines across all major violent crime categories in 2024, though aggravated assault continued to be the most common offense. Countywide data showed four murders, eight rapes, five robberies, and 50 aggravated assaults. Murder and robbery cases were cleared at high rates, while aggravated assault cases were cleared at a lower rate, consistent with statewide trends showing aggravated assault as the most frequent and often most complex violent crime to investigate.

Northampton County reported no murders or robberies in 2024. Two rapes were reported, unchanged from the previous year. Aggravated assault rose significantly, with 18 incidents recorded, representing the county’s largest area of violent crime activity. The clearance rate for aggravated assault in Northampton County was approximately 17 percent.

Statewide figures help place those numbers in context. Across Virginia, reported homicides dropped from 520 in 2023 to 421 in 2024, a 19 percent decrease and part of a downward trend since 2022. Nearly half of all homicides statewide occurred in residences, and firearms were used in more than 86 percent of homicide cases. Firearms were also involved in nearly one-third of aggravated assault cases statewide.

Among Eastern Shore towns, most municipal police departments reported little or no violent crime in 2024.

Cape Charles reported one violent crime in 2024, a murder that was fully cleared by police. No other violent crimes were reported in the town.

Chincoteague recorded four violent crimes in 2024, consisting of one rape and three aggravated assaults. No murders or robberies were reported. All aggravated assault cases were cleared, while the rape case remained under investigation at year’s end.

Exmore reported three aggravated assaults, a significant decrease from 2023, with all cases cleared. No murders, rapes, or robberies were reported.

Eastville and Onancock reported zero violent crimes across all categories for the year.

Onley recorded two aggravated assaults, both of which were cleared, and reported no murders, rapes, or robberies.

Across both counties and municipalities, violent crimes most often occurred at residences or along roadways and parking areas. Victims and offenders were frequently known to one another, involving family members, intimate partners, or acquaintances rather than strangers.

The Crime in Virginia report uses an incident-based reporting system that allows for more precise accounting of offenses and victims. Data included in the 2024 report reflects information submitted by law enforcement agencies through March 31, 2025. In addition to the annual publication, Virginia State Police now offer a dynamic online crime statistics dashboard that updates as agencies submit new data.

State police note that the Crime in Virginia report serves as the Commonwealth’s official crime statistics and is used by law enforcement, elected officials, the media, and the public, as well as submitted to the FBI for inclusion in national crime reporting.