Is Norfolk or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norfolk is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,242 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 22% lower. Norfolk has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 6.7x 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
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norfolk | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,242.0 | 5,458.5 | -1,216.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 469.5 | 910.3 | -440.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.1 | 16.9 | -0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 40.4 | 46.1 | -5.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.2 | 273.2 | -196.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.9 | 572.5 | -236.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,772.5 | 4,548.2 | -775.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 254.3 | 319.0 | -64.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,122.9 | 3,223.6 | -100.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.3 | 1,005.6 | -610.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Philadelphia safer?
Norfolk is safer with a total crime rate of 4,242 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 469.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Norfolk has lower violent crime.
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.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.