D
2%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
29%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
8%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSuffolk/100k peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime2,224n/a (estimate)2,2681,9302,324
Murder12n/a12.27.36.3
Rape35n/a35.730.240.0
Robbery60n/a61.238.466.1
Assault360n/a367.1158.1268.2
Violent crime467n/a (estimate)476234370
Burglary102n/a104.0124.6269.8
Theft1,487n/a1,516.31,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft168n/a171.3160.7282.7
Property crime1,757n/a (estimate)1,7921,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Suffolk, VA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Suffolk crime rate is lower than the national average by 2.4%. Specifically, there were 467 violent crimes in Suffolk, equivalent to 476 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 28.8%. Furthermore, Suffolk recorded 1757 property crimes, amounting to 1792 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 8.3%.

In terms of the total Suffolk crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Suffolk, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Suffolk stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Suffolk, there were a total of 12 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

In the most recent release, Suffolk reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Suffolk, there were 1792 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Suffolk?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Suffolk residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 55% of Suffolk residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 45% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Suffolk a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Suffolk a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Suffolk crime rate is 2% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.09 crimes per day - 1.28 violent crimes and 4.81 property crimes.

Has Crime in Suffolk Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Suffolk. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Suffolk has increased by 2.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 0.2%, while property crimes have increased by 3.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Suffolk

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Suffolk, 83% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Suffolk has a median home price of $265,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Suffolk, the average monthly rent stands at $1,231, while the national average is $949 per month.

Suffolk crime map



The Suffolk crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Suffolk as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Suffolk crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Suffolk crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Suffolk, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Suffolk crime rates are 2% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Suffolk are 29% higher than the national average
      • In Suffolk you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Suffolk is safer than 22% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Suffolk has decreased by 1%

      Suffolk, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Suffolk

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        Daily Crime In Suffolk (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Suffolk on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Virginia and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Suffolk (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Virginia, are 1.18 times more than the state average and 1.02 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Suffolk on a daily basis are 2.04 times more than than Virginia average and 1.29 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Suffolk are 1.06 times more than the daily state average and 1.09 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Suffolk (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Suffolk in comparison to other Virginia communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Suffolk safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Suffolk being safer than 15% of cities in Virginia and 22% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Virginia cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Suffolk. In conclusion, Suffolk ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Suffolk

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Suffolk is 1 in 210
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Suffolk is 1 in 56
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Suffolk is 1 in 45
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Suffolk? In Suffolk, VA you have a 1 in 210 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Suffolk.

        Year Over Year Crime In Suffolk (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Suffolk is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Suffolk has decreased by 3% and the rate of property crime in Suffolk has not changed. The total crime rate in Suffolk has decreased by 1% year to year.

        Suffolk police department

        Item Suffolk Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2418,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.83.23.3
        There are a total of 241 Suffolk police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 12.8% less than the Virginia average and 13.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Windsor, VA2,7483829741,356
        Carrsville, VA2313412,4712,812
        Suffolk, VA91,3834761,7922,268

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Carson, CA91,3544742,7443,218
        Tracy, CA91,4622971,5161,813
        Alafaya, FL91,4682671,6161,883
        Santa Monica, CA91,6008544,5325,386
        Kirkland, WA91,1461162,3632,479
        Suffolk, VA91,3834761,7922,268
        Source: The Suffolk, VA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.