| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Suffolk/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,010 | n/a (estimate) | 1,942 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 10.6 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 30.9 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 42 | n/a | 40.6 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 299 | n/a | 288.9 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 384 | n/a (estimate) | 371 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 90 | n/a | 87.0 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,409 | n/a | 1,361.3 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 127 | n/a | 122.7 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,626 | n/a (estimate) | 1,571 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Suffolk is 8.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 384 violent crimes reported in Suffolk, equivalent to 371 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 3.3%. Additionally, Suffolk recorded 1626 property crimes, amounting to 1571 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 10.8%.
When evaluating the Suffolk crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Suffolk crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
The violent crime rate in Suffolk closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 371 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Suffolk as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Suffolk is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 11 murders in Suffolk, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Suffolk being a very dangerous place to live.
Suffolk maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Suffolk, 1571 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Suffolk. Based on the results of the surveys (40 responses), 55% of people felt that there was very little crime in Suffolk and felt safe walking alone at night. While 45% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Suffolk, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Suffolk presents a total crime rate that is 8% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Suffolk experiences an average of 5.51 daily crimes, comprising 1.05 violent incidents and 4.45 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 decreased by 7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 17.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 4.1%. 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.
Suffolk reports an unemployment rate of 4.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Suffolk crime rates.
Suffolk has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.81 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Suffolk are $1,862, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Suffolk | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 241 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Windsor, VA | 2,848 | 203 | 678 | 881 |
| Suffolk, VA | 93,841 | 371 | 1,571 | 1,942 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Westminster, CA | 93,920 | 436 | 2,498 | 2,934 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 93,745 | 778 | 4,790 | 5,568 |
| San Leandro, CA | 93,731 | 549 | 3,923 | 4,471 |
| Deltona, FL | 93,968 | 329 | 1,748 | 2,076 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 94,185 | 648 | 1,810 | 2,458 |
| Suffolk, VA | 93,841 | 371 | 1,571 | 1,942 |
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