Is Colonial Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Colonial Heights
Is it Safe to Live in Colonial Heights?
Colonial Heights, Virginia, presents a complex picture regarding safety. The city’s overall crime rate is higher than both the national and state averages (according to NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). Specifically, Colonial Heights has an overall crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average, with a rate of 47.02 per 1,000 residents (according to AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Colonial Heights is approximately 1 in 28 (according to AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is elevated, it’s important to note that most of the crime in Colonial Heights consists of property crime and theft, particularly in retail and commercial areas (according to Livability.com). Homicides are rare, with no murders reported in 2023 (according to Livability.com). The city’s crime rate has seen some fluctuations, with a rate of 9,279 incidents per 100,000 people in 2022, which is significantly higher than the state and national averages for that year (according to Map AI). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (according to AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Colonial Heights
Colonial Heights offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an appealing place for many. The city is recognized for its community-focused atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life, which can be particularly attractive for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle (according to Livability.com). The cost of living is also a significant draw, with housing expenses being lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
However, the city does face challenges, including a higher-than-average crime rate, though much of it is property-related. The public school system, while having some strong performers, generally ranks lower than the state average in proficiency scores (according to Niche and SchoolDigger). The job market is diverse, with major employers in retail and healthcare, but the average salary may be lower than in some larger metropolitan areas (according to ZipRecruiter and ERI SalaryExpert).
Demographics and Population
Colonial Heights is an independent city in Virginia with a population of approximately 18,170 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city is part of the greater Richmond metro area, which has a population of 1.3 million (according to Livability.com). The median age in Colonial Heights is around 38.2 years, with a fairly even distribution across age groups, though slightly more residents are aged 25-44 (according to Data Commons and Census Reporter).
The racial makeup of Colonial Heights is predominantly White, accounting for about 65% to 66.2% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at around 19% to 19.3% (according to Niche, Data USA, and Census Reporter). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 8% of the population (according to Niche and Data USA). The city is largely urban, with 100% of residents living in urban areas (according to Wikipedia).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Colonial Heights is considered to be generally affordable, with figures suggesting it is slightly lower than the national average. One report indicates that Colonial Heights’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). Another source places the cost of living index at 103, meaning it is 3% higher than the national average, while also noting it is 8% lower than the Virginia average (according to AreaVibes). These variations may depend on the specific categories being measured, such as housing, utilities, and transportation.
Housing expenses in Colonial Heights are notably lower than the national average, with reports showing them to be 24% lower (according to PayScale). The median home price in Colonial Heights is around $227,967 (according to Livability.com), or $305.0K according to realtor.com, while the median rental price is approximately $1,350 per month (according to Zumper). Utility prices are also slightly lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
Housing Market and Rental Trends
The housing market in Colonial Heights is described as stable yet competitive. The median listing price for a home is around $305.0K (according to realtor.com), and the average home value is approximately $294,925, showing a slight increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Homeownership is relatively accessible, with a homeownership rate of 68.1% (according to Data USA).
Rental prices in Colonial Heights are generally more affordable compared to the national average. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,350 per month (according to Zumper), which is 31% lower than the national average. Houses for rent average about $1,447 per month, while apartments average around $1,250 per month (according to Zumper). There has been a recent decline in median rent prices year-over-year, indicating improved affordability for renters (according to realtor.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Colonial Heights has a diverse employment landscape, with Retail Trade being the top employment industry, accounting for 28% of workers. Other significant sectors include Accommodations and Food Service (17%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (13%) (according to Virginia Employment Commission). Major employers in the area include large retail chains like Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot, as well as healthcare facilities such as Colonial Heights Rehab & Nursing (according to Indeed and Wikipedia).
The unemployment rate in Colonial Heights was reported at 3.9% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). The average salary in Colonial Heights is approximately $42,459 annually, or about $20.41 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, another source indicates a higher average salary of $67,847 per year, or $33 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). These figures can vary significantly based on occupation and experience.
Climate and Weather
Colonial Heights experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and moderately cold winters (according to Wikipedia). The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is around 90°F, while the average low in January, the coldest month, is approximately 31°F (according to Best Time to Visit and WorldWeatherOnline). Temperatures generally range from 30°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 16°F or exceeding 97°F (according to Best Time to Visit).
Annual precipitation averages around 43.6 to 49 inches (according to Wikipedia and WorldWeatherOnline). August is typically the wettest month, with about 4.66 inches of rain, while February is the driest, receiving around 2.76 inches (according to Wikipedia). Snowfall is also a factor, with an average of 11 inches annually (according to Livability.com). The most comfortable months to visit or live in Colonial Heights are typically spring and fall, with milder temperatures and less humidity (according to Best Time to Visit).
Education and School Ratings
Colonial Heights is served by the Colonial Heights City Public Schools district, which includes multiple elementary, middle, and one high school. The district has an overall Niche grade of B+ (according to Niche). However, public schools in Colonial Heights City generally perform below the Virginia state average in math and reading proficiency scores, with average scores of 63% in math and 64% in reading (according to Niche).
Colonial Heights High School is a notable institution within the district, often performing well and boasting a strong graduation rate (according to SchoolDigger). Other schools like Tussing Elementary and North Elementary also show good performance in specific areas (according to SchoolDigger). Overall, the schools in Colonial Heights City have an average ranking of 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools (according to Niche). A significant percentage of students in the district are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a predominantly economically disadvantaged student population (according to SchoolDigger).