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Norfolk, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA Crime Comparison

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

Full report: Norfolk crime rate · Virginia Beach crime rate

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Is Norfolk, VA or Virginia Beach, VA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Virginia Beach, VA is safer than Norfolk, VA (Safety Score 49/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — 59% lower. Norfolk has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Virginia Beach has a 82% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Norfolk, VA?

Norfolk — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA
Safety Score 7/100
Coverage 230,460
Total Crime Rate 4,242.0
Category Wins 0/7

Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA
Safety Score 49/100
Coverage 455,155
Total Crime Rate 1,733.3
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Norfolk Virginia Beach Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,242.0 1,733.3 +2,508.7
Violent Crime Rate 469.5 93.4 +376.1
Murder Rate 16.1 2.9 +13.2
Rape Rate 40.4 18.5 +21.9
Robbery Rate 77.2 31.6 +45.6
Aggravated Assault Rate 335.9 39.3 +296.5
Property Crime Rate 3,772.5 1,639.9 +2,132.6
Burglary Rate 254.3 83.9 +170.3
Larceny-Theft Rate 3,122.9 1,446.8 +1,676.1
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 395.3 109.2 +286.1

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

Moving from Norfolk, VA to Virginia Beach, VA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norfolk or Virginia Beach safer?

Virginia Beach, VA is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — a 59% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 469.5 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, is home to the Naval Air Station Oceana, a major employer. Its population of nearly half a million is diverse, with significant military and retiree communities. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.

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