Is Norfolk or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 38/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 51% lower. Norfolk has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 84% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 6.0x 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
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, VA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norfolk | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,242.0 | 2,082.4 | +2,159.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 469.5 | 412.4 | +57.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.1 | 2.5 | +13.5 |
| Rape Rate | 40.4 | 21.4 | +19.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.2 | 77.4 | -0.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.9 | 310.9 | +24.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,772.5 | 1,670.0 | +2,102.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 254.3 | 187.4 | +66.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,122.9 | 1,087.1 | +2,035.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.3 | 395.5 | -0.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 469.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego 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 San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.