Portsmouth, VA vs Suffolk, VA

Suffolk is safer with a higher safety score by 12 points. Portsmouth, VA has a safety score of 56/100 while Suffolk, VA has 68/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Portsmouth, VA has a violent crime rate of 752.4 per 100,000 residents, while Suffolk, VA has 371.0 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Portsmouth, VA has a property crime rate of 3860.8 per 100,000, compared to 1570.9 per 100,000 in Suffolk, 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, Suffolk 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.