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Norfolk, VA vs Phoenix, AZ Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Norfolk crime rate · Phoenix crime rate

Moving from Norfolk, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

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Is Norfolk, VA or Phoenix, AZ Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Phoenix, AZ is safer than Norfolk, VA (Safety Score 17/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — 26% lower. Norfolk has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 57% lower rate.

Note: Phoenix is 7.2x 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 Norfolk, VA?

Norfolk — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Phoenix — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA
Safety Score 7/100
Coverage 230,460
Total Crime Rate 4,242.0
Category Wins 4/7

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ
Safety Score 17/100
Coverage 1,662,809
Total Crime Rate 3,125.4
Category Wins 3/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Norfolk Phoenix Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,242.0 3,125.4 +1,116.6
Violent Crime Rate 469.5 800.0 -330.5
Murder Rate 16.1 8.4 +7.7
Rape Rate 40.4 64.3 -23.9
Robbery Rate 77.2 181.6 -104.4
Aggravated Assault Rate 335.9 545.3 -209.5
Property Crime Rate 3,772.5 2,325.3 +1,447.1
Burglary Rate 254.3 317.2 -62.9
Larceny-Theft Rate 3,122.9 1,582.1 +1,540.7
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 395.3 426.0 -30.7

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Norfolk, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norfolk or Phoenix safer?

Phoenix, AZ is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — a 26% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 469.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 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.

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