Is Norfolk Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Norfolk, Virginia, is a coastal city in the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area known for its significant maritime heritage and vibrant urban atmosphere.

The region is home to 1.8 million people, and about 240,000 live in Norfolk.

Whether it’s Chesapeake Bay or one of several rivers, Norfolk is nearly wrapped in water on all sides.

Downtown Norfolk serves as the city’s energetic core, with sleek skyscrapers, bustling waterfront parks, and a lively arts scene.

The area’s transformation in recent years has introduced a mix of trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and entertainment venues, all within walking distance of the scenic Elizabeth River.

Then you get neighborhoods like Ghent, with tree-lined streets and charming early 20th-century homes where life slows down a bit.

The Historic Freemason District leans back to colonial history.

The Ocean View area, located along the Chesapeake Bay, presents a more laid-back coastal experience without having to drive all the way to Virginia Beach.

More vibrant and lively places can be found in the Neon District or Railroad District.

Riverview is one of the most inclusive communities in Virginia.

Norfolk’s economy is diverse, anchored by its strategic coastal location.

The city’s largest economic driver is the naval and maritime sector, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

The Port of Virginia, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, also plays a significant role.

Other economic boosts are healthcare, higher education, tourism, and shipbuilding.

Norfolk is a beautiful blend of America’s history and future on some of the most important waterways worldwide.

Warnings & Dangers in Norfolk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Norfolk, but if you're from a big city with higher crime rates, you won't feel out of sorts. Plus, there are plenty of safe places to visit within the community.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Getting around Norfolk is convenient with options like HRT buses and light rail for public transportation. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring at your own pace. The city's downtown area is also pedestrian-friendly, and it is easy to walk short distances. The risk is low with any option, but always check the routes of public transportation schedules to see if they go through more crime-ridden parts of town.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

In all the high crime rates in Norfolk, pickpockets and purse snatching total just about five each year, looking back at five years of crime data. It's much more likely your car will be broken into, so don't use your vehicle as a place to store valuables and always lock the doors.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Norfolk faces significant natural disaster risks, particularly from hurricanes, nor'easters and flooding, due to its coastal location and low elevation. Rising sea levels exacerbate flooding concerns. Snow isn't that common here, but even a little bit can create chaos on the streets. It's important to pay attention to the weather, especially during the hurricane season from June through November.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The robbery rate in 2023 was 25% lower than in 2022 but still 11% higher than the national average. Highway robberies make up about 30% of that number. The risk is medium, but you can lower it by staying in well-lit areas and not carrying around valuables or large sums of cash.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Norfolk, home to the largest naval base in the world, has heightened security measures due to potential terrorism risks. While there is no specific threat, the city's strategic military importance necessitates vigilance. Treat it as a medium risk, but know there's a lot of security you can see and even more happening behind the scenes.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

A big city like Norfolk can have a wide variety of scams at any given time. Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. The risk is low if you stay educated and defensive against the common scam practices.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Norfolk is generally safe for women travelers, with a vibrant downtown and well-lit public areas. However, as in any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated places at night, and use trusted transportation options. Statistically, women are slightly less likely to be victims of violent crimes. However, given the overall crime rate, treat this as a medium risk.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. Norfolk's 2024 report shows no violations and full compliance. You can read the full report on the city's website.

Safest Places to Visit in Norfolk

VisitNorfolk.com is the official tourism website.

A free digital guide is available to download and won’t require you to enter any personal information to access it.

Go to Page 10 of the visitor’s guide to get a brief overview of the various neighborhoods to choose from when planning a Norfolk itinerary. 

It’s important to start with the layout of the Hampton Roads region.

Technically, the name is for the water channel that connects Chesapeake Bay with the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond Rivers.

The region includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton and Newport News.

The area also dips into North Carolina.

Downtown Norfolk is the city’s bustling heart, with daytime activities along the waterfront and nighttime firing up on Granby Street.

A ferry to Portsmouth (VA) is also available.

A full slate of businesses and entertainment options is available at downtownnorfolk.org.

Nearby, the Nauticus Maritime Museum offers an interactive journey through Norfolk’s naval history.

A highlight is the USS Wisconsin, a World War II battleship permanently docked at Nauticus, which visitors can tour to get a sense of life at sea during the war.

Ghent is a charming, historic neighborhood known for its vibrant cultural scene.

The Harrison Opera House is a premier venue for stunning performances ranging from classic operas to contemporary productions.

For a family-friendly outing, the Virginia Zoo in Riverview offers interactive experiences and beautifully maintained habitats for hundreds of animals.

Be sure to check the schedule, as reservations might be required during busy times of the year.

The Freemason District offers a glimpse into Norfolk’s Victorian past.

The Hunter House Victorian Museum is a preserved 19th-century home that showcases period furnishings and provides insight into Victorian-era life.

Also in this district is the Pagoda and Oriental Garden, a peaceful retreat built to honor Norfolk’s sister city of Ningbo, China.

The Chrysler Museum of Art is a standout of the Neon District, featuring an extensive collection that spans centuries and includes masterpieces from ancient times to the modern day.

Ocean View and West Beach (oceanviewbeachpark.org) offer the closest beach access, but also the calmest waters compared to the Atlantic-facing beaches of Virginia Beach.

Ocean View Beach Park covers almost seven acres of shoreline with a boardwalk and a big band performance venue.

Places to Avoid in Norfolk

Some central sections of town, mostly off of Tidewater Road and around Huntersville, are less desirable places to visit because of higher crime rates.

However, these are also parts of town that aren’t included in the major tourist areas or hotel gatherings.

The best suggestion I have, especially at a time when crime rates are changing quickly in Norfolk, is to use the interactive crime map on the police department’s website.

It’s also found under Agency 258 on crimemapping.com.

For example, I’m looking at robberies, assaults, and homicides downtown over the past six months right now.

There was one highway robbery during that period.

I can then zoom out on the map to see which areas had more robberies.

You can select the parameters – types of crime, time period, and how far from a certain location, and get the most recent crime data possible.

Also, I know there’s one thing about Norfolk that initially made me gasp, and I’ll share that with you.

However, it’s only for people who have a slight to moderate fear of bridges or tunnels (like me).

There are a LOT of waterway crossings here, and it’s either underground or over a bridge.

The bridges aren’t too bad, most without the giant pillars and cables like you’d find in San Francisco.

The tunnels can feel a little claustrophobic.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) is a bridge/tunnel mix that spans nearly 18 miles and is often congested.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Norfolk

So... How Safe Is Norfolk Really?

The violent crime rate is nearly 83% higher than the state average, but in all fairness, Virginia is one of the 10 safest states in the country.

When we stack that up against the national average, Norfolk is 8% higher as of 2023.

Norfolk Police Chief Talbot released some 2023 crime data in early 2024, saying that violent crime was down 24% year-to-year.

“2023 was a good year for us,” Talbot said.

“We moved in a very positive direction and ended the year significantly down in homicides.”

A big focus has been made on keeping downtown safe after two mass shootings a few years ago.

Cameras now monitor the street 24/7, and police officer patrols have been restructured to provide more visibility during busy downtown periods.

The Flock cameras helped catch criminals, as each license plate is photographed in the city.

If a car is stolen or involved in a crime, police can easily look up the license plate number and see where the car has been most recently.

I went more granular with the data to see how the crimes might impact a visitor.

Between 2018 and 2022, just 19% of violent crimes impacted a stranger.

Nearly half of all violent crimes happen in private homes.

Thefts reached a level that hasn’t been seen since 2011 in Norfolk in 2022, with nearly 9,100 thefts reported.

By 2023, that number was down 25% but still more than double the national average.

That number is fueled by car break-ins, with an average of 10 happening each day.

Only time will tell if the crime reduction streak of 2023 will continue into future years, but the police say there’s a stronger sense of community engagement.

That leads to more criminals being apprehended after a crime and helps people feel more comfortable speaking up when something suspicious happens.

How Does Norfolk Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

While Norfolk gets four distinct seasons, the humidity is noticeable much of the year and can be downright oppressive in summer. Winters might get near freezing for nighttime lows, but the season is pretty mild overall. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, waterproof outer layers, and comfortable walking shoes.

Airports

Norfolk International Airport is on the east side of town. It's large enough that you don't need to look for other options to consider. ATMs are available there, but no foreign currency desk is at the airport.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects against baggage theft/loss, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Norfolk Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City