Is New York City or Suffolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Suffolk is safer than New York City (Safety Score 42/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 36% lower. New York City has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Suffolk has a 78% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 80.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than New York City, NY?
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Suffolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City, NY
Suffolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New York City | Suffolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,039.7 | 1,941.9 | +1,097.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 671.4 | 371.0 | +300.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 10.6 | -6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 30.9 | -7.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.5 | 40.6 | +146.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.2 | 288.9 | +167.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,368.3 | 1,570.9 | +797.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.7 | 87.0 | +67.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,015.0 | 1,361.3 | +653.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.5 | 122.7 | +75.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Suffolk safer?
Suffolk is safer with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New York City has a violent crime rate of 671.4 per 100K while Suffolk has 371.0. Suffolk has lower violent crime.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Suffolk, VA
Suffolk, Virginia, a city rich in peanut production history, stretches across a vast land area, making it one of the largest cities by landmass in the Commonwealth. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban communities. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 103,506, Suffolk has a total crime rate of 1,941.9 per 100,000 residents.