Neighborhood Spotlight
Is Swansboro West a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Richmond, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe304
Medium209
Low191
Other1275
277 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape77
Child involved65
Assault50
Other121
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical call for chest pain at an apartment near Chalfont Drive, Berkeley Warwick Place Apartments, Richmond. | Chalfont Dr Apt 72, Richmond, VA 23224 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported inside gas leak at an apartment on Floyd Avenue near North Vine Street and North Allen Avenue in Richmond. The caller reported a strong sulfur odor after returning from several days away. Firefighters searched the apartment and did not detect a gas odor, noting it may possibly be a sewer smell. A utility technician was requested to continue checking the situation while most units were released. | Floyd Ave Apt D, Richmond, VA 23220 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist was reported near Carlisle Avenue and the cross streets Beams Lane and Sherm Street within Station 6's district in Richmond. | Carlisle Ave, Richmond, VA 23231 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving difficulty breathing was reported near South 14th Street and Dock Street. Emergency unit Engine 1 was dispatched and the call was repeated on TAC channel 2. | Dock St & S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a general fire alarm at an apartment complex on Richmond Highway in Richmond. A smoke detector was reportedly sounding in a vacant unit. Responding units investigated and initially saw no visible smoke or fire from the apartment windows. | Richmond Hwy N, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are dispatched to a reported fire alarm at a commercial location on Richmond Highway near Chestnut Avenue and Mimosa Street. Multiple engines, a truck, and a battalion chief are responding and operating on tactical channel 2. | Richmond Hwy, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched for a reported person down near North 21st Street and Fairfield Avenue in Richmond, with Engine 11 operating on tactical channel 2. | Fairfield Ave & N 21st St, Richmond, VA 23223 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, there is a possible medical emergency involving difficulty breathing near Randolph Street, close to Wallace Street and Dance Street. | S Randolph St, Richmond, VA 23220 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a reported crash involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle near Walmsley Boulevard in Richmond. The address was updated during the call, and Engine 22 reported making patient contact. | Walmsley Blvd, Richmond, VA 23234 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders are dispatched to a report of an unconscious person at an apartment complex near 10th Avenue and South 9th Street in Richmond. | S 10th St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$275,447
Average Rent
$2,261
Vacancy Rate
7.6%
Neighborhood Overview
Swansboro West is an urban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, characterized by a mix of small to medium-sized single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The median home price is $275,447, which is more affordable than most neighborhoods in Virginia and the U.S.
Average rents are $2,261, below the majority of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates are moderate at 7.6%, near the national middle range.
UrbanAffordable HousingStrong TransitDiverse Ancestry
Quick Facts
| Households Living Alone | 51.0% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Swansboro West offers a mix of housing types with a balance of owners and renters in older, established residences.
| Vacancy Rate | 7.6% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Most homes built 1940-1969, some 1970-1999 |
| Housing Types | Small to medium single-family homes and apartment complexes |
What buyers will notice right away
Median home prices are below Virginia's median, making it an affordable option for many buyers.
Ranked in the top 8.3% of Virginia neighborhoods for first-time home buyers.
Families & Lifestyle
Swansboro West has a unique household composition and cultural character that shapes its lifestyle.
Diverse Community — A significant portion of residents have Jamaican ancestry, contributing to a rich cultural environment.
Urban Living — The neighborhood's urban density supports a lifestyle with access to transit and local amenities.
| Households Living Alone | 51.0% |
|---|
Demographics & Income
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 37.1% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Lower-middle income |
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 24.1% |
| Top Language | English (97.3%) |
| Second Language | Spanish (2.7%) |
| Top Ancestry | Jamaican (20.5%) |
| Other Notable Ancestries | German (7.8%), Irish (7.3%), Italian (6.4%), Sub-Saharan African (5.1%) |
Commute & Transportation
Swansboro West residents benefit from shorter commute times and strong public transit use.
Understanding commute patterns helps evaluate daily life quality and transportation options in Swansboro West.
Transit Accessibility — High bus ridership indicates strong public transit availability.
Commute Efficiency — Majority of residents have shorter commutes, reducing time and cost burdens.
Car Ownership — While many drive alone, significant carpooling and transit use suggest diverse transportation choices.
| Most Common Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes (55.2%) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 50.8% |
| Carpool Rate | 21.7% |
| Bus Commute Rate | 13.0% |
Homes for sale near 23224
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swansboro West affordable compared to other Virginia neighborhoods?
Yes, the median home price of $275,447 is less expensive than 76.7% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What is the typical commute like in Swansboro West?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, with a high share using the bus for work.
What languages are commonly spoken in Swansboro West?
English is spoken by 97.3% of households, with Spanish spoken by 2.7%.
What is the demographic makeup of Swansboro West?
The neighborhood has a notable Jamaican ancestry population (20.5%) and a mix of other ancestries including German, Irish, and Italian.