Norfolk city Crime & Safety

Norfolk city, Virginia

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

5537.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

702.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

4835.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#129

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Norfolk city, Virginia

Safety Challenges in the City of Norfolk

Norfolk city reports a total crime rate of 5,537.7 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. Consequently, its safety score sits at 91.3, reflecting a more active crime environment than many US regions.

Comparing Norfolk to Virginia’s Averages

The city’s safety score of 91.3 falls well below the Virginia state average of 97.3. Norfolk's crime rate is more than three times higher than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents.

Elevated Crime Rates vs. Regional Neighbors

Norfolk experiences significantly higher crime rates than nearby rural and suburban counties. As a major urban hub with single-agency reporting, the city handles a much higher volume of incidents than the typical Virginia county.

Breakdown of Property and Violent Crimes

Property crimes are highly prevalent in Norfolk, occurring at a rate of 4,835.1 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 702.6 is also elevated, nearly doubling the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Security

Given the high property crime rate, residents should prioritize comprehensive security systems with 24/7 monitoring. Keeping valuables out of sight and securing vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Norfolk city, VA?

Norfolk city has a total crime rate of 5537.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (702.6 per 100K) and property crimes (4835.1 per 100K).

Is Norfolk city, VA safe?

Norfolk city has a safety score of 2/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #129 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Norfolk city crime compare to the Virginia average?

The city’s safety score of 91.3 falls well below the Virginia state average of 97.3. Norfolk's crime rate is more than three times higher than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents.

What types of crime are most common in Norfolk city?

Property crimes are highly prevalent in Norfolk, occurring at a rate of 4,835.1 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 702.6 is also elevated, nearly doubling the national average of 369.8.

How is crime data measured and reported for Norfolk city?

Crime data for Norfolk city comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Norfolk city?

Norfolk city has a safety score of 2/100, which is below the Virginia average of 39/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.