Is Norfolk, VA Safe? (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats)

If you are thinking about visiting Norfolk and have some qualms about the safety of the city, we got you covered.

We are going to deep dive into the statistics, look at some maps, graphs and talk to the residents of the city to give you a better understanding of how safe Norfolk really is.

Is Norfolk, VA Safe?

Statistically speaking, Norfolk, VA is a moderately safe city. In 2021, Norfolk reported 1,792 violent crimes and had a violent crime rate of 762.26 per 100,000 people. Norfolk has a similar crime rate to Seattle and Los Angeles.

Here’s a graph of how Norfolk’s violent crime rate compares to other major cities in the United States.

Here’s a graph of how Norfolk’s violent crime rate compares to other major cities in Virginia. Norfolk had the highest violent crime rate of all cities listed.

Norfolk, VA Crime Rates

Violent Crime Rate

In 2021 Norfolk reported 1,792 violent crimes and had a violent crime rate of 762.26 per 100,000 people.

Year over year violent crime has increased by 17%.
You have a 1 in 131 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Norfolk.

Here’s a graph showing you how violent crime has trended in Norfolk over a 12 year period. Violent crime peaked in 2021.

Murder Rate

In 2021, Norfolk reported 62 murders and had a murder rate of 26.37 per 100,000 people. Norfolk’s murder rate is 4 times higher than the national average.

Year over year murder has increased by 27%.
You have a 1 in 3,792 chance of becoming a victim of murder in Norfolk.

Here’s a graph showing you how murders has trended in Norfolk over a 12 year period. Murders peaked in 2021.

Here’s a map showing you the locations of all the homicides between April 15, 2022 and October 11, 2022:

Property Crime Rate

In 2021 Norfolk reported 7,756 property crimes and had a property crime rate of 3,299.18 per 100,000 people.

Year over year property crime in Norfolk has increased by 18%.
You have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Norfolk.

Norfolk, VA Crime Stats

Here’s a breakdown of all the crimes in the city for 2021 compared to 2020:

	2020	2021	Percent Change
Homicide	49	62	27%
Rape	103	119	16%
Robbery	259	281	8%
Aggravated Assault	1,132	1,330	17%
VIOLENT CRIMES TOTAL	1,543	1,792	16%
Burglary	519	481	-7%
Larceny/Theft	5,282	6,184	17%
Motor Vehicle Theft	790	1,091	38%
PROPERTY CRIMES TOTAL	6591	7,756	18%
TOTALS	8,134	9,548	17%

What do residents say about the safety of Norfolk?

Norfolk is Disneyland compared to cities like Baltimore, Detroit and and some parts of Chicago.
Most of the crimes in Norfolk take place in certain areas after a certain hour, much like any other city. Just avoid going to those places and you should be fine.
Crime in Norfolk is very pocketed. You should have no problems if you stay in downtown or Ghent.
Larchmont, Granby and Ghent are the best areas to stay in Norfolk.

Is Downtown Norfolk safe?

Downtown Norfolk is generally a very safe area, but you should use common sense at night: avoid walking through alleys, pay attention to your surroundings and stay in well populated areas.

Is the public transportation of Norfolk safe?

The public transportation system in Norfolk is handled by HRT (Hamptons Roads Transits) and it offers many routes that interweave throughout the entire city. The HRT is generally safe to use during the commuting hours (7am – 7pm), however we do not recommend that you use it late at night. You should opt for a ride sharing service or cab outside those hours.

Tips to stay safe while visiting Norfolk, VA

Trust your intuition when something feels off.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t bury yourself in your phone or headphones when walking.
Walk with confidence and purpose. If you come across as timid, weak or unsure of yourself, predators are more likely prey on you.
Stay in well populated and well lit areas. Don’t walk through alleys.
Don’t walk by yourself at night.
Research the city before you arrive. Learn which areas are good and which are bad. Plan your trip with accordingly.

Facts about Norfolk, VA

The population of Norfolk in 2021 was 235,089.
The median income for a household in the city was $53,026. The per capita income for the city was $30,706.
88.1% of residents 25 and older is a high school graduate. 30% of residents 25 and older has a bachelors degree or higher.
17.8% of the population live below the poverty line.
The median home value in Norfolk is $$283,259 in 2022.
In 2022, the average rent for a Norfolk 2-bedroom apartment is $1,395.
The median age in the city is 30 years old.

SOURCES:

United States Census. "Quick Facts." Accessed October 12, 2022
Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Crime Data Explorer."Accessed October 12, 2022
Norfolk Police Department. Crime Mapping. Accessed October 12, 2022