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Vehicle Theft in Charlottesville, Virginia (2026)

285.8 per 100K · 10% below national avg · Grade B-

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Charlottesville has a vehicle theft rate of 285.8 per 100K, which is 10% below the national average of 318.3. Grade: B-. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 350 per year.

In 2026, the vehicle theft rate in Charlottesville, Virginia is 285.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 10% below the national average of 318.3. That puts Charlottesville's vehicle theft close to the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Vehicle Theft Rate: Charlottesville vs State and National Averages

Charlottesville
285.8
Virginia Avg
335.5
National Avg
318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI UCR data.

Your Odds: Vehicle Theft in Charlottesville

1 in 350

Approximate chance of being affected by vehicle theft in Charlottesville in a given year, based on the rate of 285.8 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Vehicle Theft?

Motor vehicle theft is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and ATVs. It does not include taking a vehicle for temporary use when abandoned by the offender.

Other Crime Types in Charlottesville

B-
Violent Crime310.0/100K · 15% below avg
C+
Property Crime2071.3/100K · 13% above avg
C+
Burglary322.3/100K · 19% above avg
C+
Theft1742.5/100K · 24% above avg

Vehicle Theft in Nearby Virginia Cities

CityGradeRate
Manassas
C+
365.9
Blacksburg
C
473.9
Danville
B-
243.6
Leesburg
C
430.6
Harrisonburg
C+
402.1
Petersburg
B-
239.1

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Theft in Charlottesville

How bad is vehicle theft in Charlottesville?
As of 2026, Charlottesville's vehicle theft rate of 285.8 per 100K is 10% below the national average. It ranks behind 47% of US cities for vehicle theft.
What is the vehicle theft rate in Charlottesville?
As of 2026, 285.8 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 318.3 per 100K.
Is vehicle theft increasing in Charlottesville?
Crime in Charlottesville has trended upward recently, though specific vehicle theft trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Charlottesville's vehicle theft compare to Virginia?
Charlottesville performs better than most Virginia cities on vehicle theft. Its rate of 285.8 per 100K is close to the national average when compared nationally.
What are the odds of being a victim of vehicle theft in Charlottesville?
Based on the rate of 285.8 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 350 residents could be affected by vehicle theft in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Charlottesville safe from vehicle theft?
Charlottesville is about average for vehicle theft. The rate of 285.8 per 100K is close to the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Charlottesville safety overviewHow we calculate grades

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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