Is Durham or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norfolk is safer than Durham (Safety Score 7/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,242 per 100,000 versus 4,420 for Durham — 4% lower. Durham has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 52% lower rate.
Durham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Durham, NC
Norfolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Durham | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,420.3 | 4,242.0 | +178.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 620.6 | 469.5 | +151.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.3 | 16.1 | -3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 57.3 | 40.4 | +16.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 160.9 | 77.2 | +83.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 388.7 | 335.9 | +52.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,799.7 | 3,772.5 | +27.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 450.4 | 254.3 | +196.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,725.4 | 3,122.9 | -397.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 623.9 | 395.3 | +228.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham or Norfolk safer?
Norfolk is safer with a total crime rate of 4,242 per 100K vs 4,420 for Durham — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Durham has a violent crime rate of 620.6 per 100K while Norfolk has 469.5. Norfolk has lower violent crime.
About Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, known as the "Bull City," grew around its tobacco industry. It's a diverse city in the Piedmont region, home to Duke University and a thriving tech scene. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 300,208, Durham has a total crime rate of 4,420.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, a historic port city in Southeast Virginia, is home to the world's largest naval base. Its waterfront location at the mouth of the Elizabeth River shapes its identity and economy, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 230,460, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 4,242.0 per 100,000 residents.