Newport News, VA vs Portsmouth, VA

Newport News is safer with a higher safety score by 3 points. Newport News, VA has a safety score of 59/100 while Portsmouth, VA has 56/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Newport News, VA has a violent crime rate of 736.0 per 100,000 residents, while Portsmouth, VA has 752.4 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Newport News, VA has a property crime rate of 2416.1 per 100,000, compared to 3860.8 per 100,000 in Portsmouth, VA. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, Newport News is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.