Suffolk, VA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Suffolk, VA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Suffolk crime rate is lower than the national average by 2.4%. Specifically, there were 467 violent crimes in Suffolk, equivalent to 476 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 28.8%. Furthermore, Suffolk recorded 1757 property crimes, amounting to 1792 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 8.3%.

In terms of the total Suffolk crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Suffolk, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Suffolk stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Suffolk, there were a total of 12 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

In the most recent release, Suffolk reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Suffolk, there were 1792 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Suffolk?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Suffolk residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 55% of Suffolk residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 45% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Suffolk a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Suffolk a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Suffolk crime rate is 2% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.09 crimes per day - 1.28 violent crimes and 4.81 property crimes.

Has Crime in Suffolk Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Suffolk. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Suffolk has increased by 2.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 0.2%, while property crimes have increased by 3.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Suffolk

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Suffolk, 83% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Suffolk has a median home price of $265,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Suffolk, the average monthly rent stands at $1,231, while the national average is $949 per month.

Suffolk crime map