Is Suffolk or Virginia Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Virginia Beach is safer than Suffolk (Safety Score 48/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100,000 versus 1,942 for Suffolk — 11% lower. Suffolk has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Virginia Beach has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Virginia Beach is 4.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Suffolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Virginia Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Suffolk | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,941.9 | 1,733.3 | +208.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 371.0 | 93.4 | +277.6 |
| Murder Rate | 10.6 | 2.9 | +7.8 |
| Rape Rate | 30.9 | 18.5 | +12.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.6 | 31.6 | +8.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 288.9 | 39.3 | +249.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,570.9 | 1,639.9 | -69.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 87.0 | 83.9 | +3.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,361.3 | 1,446.8 | -85.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 122.7 | 109.2 | +13.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suffolk or Virginia Beach safer?
Virginia Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,733 per 100K vs 1,942 for Suffolk — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Suffolk has a violent crime rate of 371.0 per 100K while Virginia Beach has 93.4. Virginia Beach has lower violent crime.
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.
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.