Is Richmond or Suffolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Suffolk is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 42/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 45% lower. Richmond has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Suffolk has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Richmond is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Suffolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | Suffolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 1,941.9 | +1,574.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 371.0 | -34.1 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 10.6 | +13.5 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 30.9 | -12.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 40.6 | +53.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 288.9 | -89.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 1,570.9 | +1,608.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 87.0 | +178.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 1,361.3 | +1,025.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 122.7 | +404.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Suffolk safer?
Suffolk is safer with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while Suffolk has 371.0. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Suffolk, VA
Suffolk, Virginia, a city rich in peanut production history, stretches across a vast land area, making it one of the largest cities by landmass in the Commonwealth. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban communities. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 103,506, Suffolk has a total crime rate of 1,941.9 per 100,000 residents.