Is Norfolk or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norfolk is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 94/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 431 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 86% lower. Norfolk has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norfolk has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 140.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norfolk | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 431.3 | 3,125.4 | -2,694.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 50.7 | 800.0 | -749.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 64.3 | -64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.7 | 545.3 | -494.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 380.6 | 2,325.3 | -1,944.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 152.2 | 317.2 | -164.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 194.5 | 1,582.1 | -1,387.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 33.8 | 426.0 | -392.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Phoenix safer?
Norfolk is safer with a total crime rate of 431 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 50.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Norfolk has lower violent crime.
About Norfolk, MA
Norfolk, Massachusetts, a small town in southeastern Massachusetts, is primarily residential with a median age of around 40. It was once home to the Norfolk County Agricultural School, reflecting its rural past. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 11,824, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 431.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.