Fairfax County in Northern Virginia is regarded as one of the safer areas among U.S. metropolitan regions.

High household income, abundant educational opportunities, and low unemployment rates contribute to a socio-economic stability that helps maintain a low crime rate.

However, the term 'safe' does not apply universally to all areas, and there are differences in perceived safety depending on the neighborhood, so there is information to be aware of when going out at night.

When looking at the entire jurisdiction of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), the murder rate remains very low relative to the population.

Compared to the overall statistics for Virginia, Fairfax County's violent crime rate is also relatively low.

On the other hand, property crimes, particularly vehicle theft and vehicle break-ins, require caution.

There are ongoing incidents of breaking car windows and stealing items from inside vehicles in shopping center parking lots and apartment complex parking areas.

The best prevention is to avoid leaving items in your vehicle.

Package theft is also frequently reported. Boxes left unattended for long periods in front of doorsteps are easily targeted.

Additionally, online scams occur often. Victims can arise from sharing personal information or making upfront payments in relation to secondhand transactions or investment messages.

Regionally, high-income residential areas such as McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Burke, and Clifton generally have lower crime rates.

In contrast, areas near the US Route 1 Corridor, some parts of Springfield, and certain areas of Annandale report crime rates that are somewhat higher than the county average.

Gang-related activities have been reported in some areas, but these are often limited to specific streets or apartment complexes.

The Fairfax County Police Department publishes crime data by region on its official website, so it is recommended to check the crime status of a specific address before deciding to move.

The City of Fairfax operates its own police department (Fairfax City Police Department) separate from the county.

Due to its small size and low population density, serious crimes are rare in the city.

Hate crime incidents in areas with a high Korean population have also been reported infrequently, so it is important to continuously share community safety information within the area.

When going out at night, it is important to follow basic safety rules, such as going out with companions rather than alone and avoiding poorly lit areas.