Is Norfolk or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 48/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 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.
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
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 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — 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 48/100 and a population coverage of 455,155, Virginia Beach has a total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100,000 residents.