| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Norfolk/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 9,776 | n/a (estimate) | 4,242 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 37 | n/a | 16.1 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 93 | n/a | 40.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 178 | n/a | 77.2 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 774 | n/a | 335.9 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,082 | n/a (estimate) | 469 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 586 | n/a | 254.3 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7,197 | n/a | 3,122.9 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 911 | n/a | 395.3 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 8,694 | n/a (estimate) | 3,772 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
The Norfolk crime rates are 100.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1082 violent crimes in Norfolk (469 per 100,000 people), which is 30.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 8694 property crimes (3772 per 100,000 residents) which is 114.3% higher than average.
Norfolk has a crime rate of 4242 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 100.17%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Norfolk. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Norfolk stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Norfolk, a total of 37 murders were reported, equating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Norfolk faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3772 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Norfolk stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Norfolk residents. Out of the respondents (167 in total), 20% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Norfolk were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 80% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Norfolk a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Norfolk has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 100%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 26.78 daily incidents, encompassing 2.96 violent crimes and 23.82 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Norfolk as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Norfolk. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Norfolk has increased by 2.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 39.6%, while property crime has increased by 12.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Norfolk.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Norfolk, 82.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Norfolk, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.36 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Norfolk, the median home price stands at $383,174, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Norfolk | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 825 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chesapeake, VA | 251,202 | 339 | 1,744 | 2,084 |
| Hampton, VA | 138,888 | 248 | 2,882 | 3,130 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 98,194 | 752 | 3,861 | 4,613 |
| Norfolk, VA | 250,142 | 469 | 3,772 | 4,242 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chesapeake, VA | 251,202 | 339 | 1,744 | 2,084 |
| Irving, TX | 248,458 | 275 | 2,199 | 2,474 |
| Garland, TX | 245,211 | 233 | 1,988 | 2,221 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 255,400 | 810 | 2,921 | 3,731 |
| Arlington, VA | 244,812 | 118 | 848 | 966 |
| Norfolk, VA | 250,142 | 469 | 3,772 | 4,242 |
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