Is Fargo or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fargo is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 7/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,195 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 1% lower. Fargo has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fargo has a 72% lower rate.
Fargo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fargo, ND
Norfolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fargo | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,195.1 | 4,242.0 | -46.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 498.2 | 469.5 | +28.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.4 | 16.1 | -11.6 |
| Rape Rate | 102.5 | 40.4 | +62.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 77.2 | +0.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 335.9 | -21.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,696.9 | 3,772.5 | -75.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 741.4 | 254.3 | +487.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,600.9 | 3,122.9 | -522.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 354.5 | 395.3 | -40.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fargo or Norfolk safer?
Fargo is safer with a total crime rate of 4,195 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fargo has a violent crime rate of 498.2 per 100K while Norfolk has 469.5. Norfolk has lower violent crime.
About Fargo, ND
Fargo, North Dakota, a city of over 120,000, sits on the Red River of the North, forming a metropolitan area with Moorhead, Minnesota. Home to North Dakota State University, it's a regional hub for agriculture and technology. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 135,682, Fargo has a total crime rate of 4,195.1 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.