VirginiaPop. 233,596Mid-size cities
Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live? Norfolk, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norfolk ranks #751 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Virginia. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Norfolk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norfolk's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Norfolk?
Norfolk's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,321/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $312,422, 25% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Norfolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $312,422#412 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,757/mo#552 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $289,900#501 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,321/mo#556 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Norfolk housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Norfolk is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Norfolk safe?
Norfolk recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 94% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #719 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #138 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norfolk Police Department. Property crime runs 3,188 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norfolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 399#719 of 1,085 | 206 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,188#977 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Norfolk?
The median household in Norfolk earns $66,109, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norfolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,109#901 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.5%#949 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Norfolk?
The median resident of Norfolk is 32.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.5%#667 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 46.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Norfolk's schools and health?
Norfolk's 44 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $16,341 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Norfolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,341#456 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 26,882 students are enrolled in Norfolk's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norfolk?
The average commute in Norfolk is 23 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 2.6% of workers take transit and 10.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norfolk scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79°F and winters 44.2°F, with 49.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norfolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.6% | 68.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.6% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.2% | 15.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50.7 | 33.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 53.4 | 35.1 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 60.1 | 41.3 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 70 | 50.1 | 3.4 |
| May | 77.4 | 59.1 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 85.2 | 68.1 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 72.8 | 6.1 |
| Aug | 86.9 | 71.6 | 5.9 |
| Sep | 81.4 | 66.6 | 5.4 |
| Oct | 72.3 | 55.1 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 62.1 | 44.4 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 54.7 | 37.6 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norfolk International Airport.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 44.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 49.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norfolk International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norfolk?
Norfolk city's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Norfolk city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#140 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Norfolk city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Norfolk city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.031% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0068% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 44% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0032% | 29% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.035% | 3% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Norfolk compare with similar-size cities?
Norfolk is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #124 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 233,596.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #751 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 | 23 min |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Norfolk compare with the rest of Virginia?
Norfolk ranks #17 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 28% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Norfolk's score calculated?
Norfolk scores 54.1 out of 100, #751 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Norfolk. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norfolk's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
58.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norfolk. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norfolk's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norfolk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
70.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norfolk. Similar-size median 51.2.
38.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norfolk. Similar-size median 42.1.
41.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norfolk. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norfolk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
82.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norfolk's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Norfolk has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Norfolk
Is Norfolk, VA a good place to live?
Norfolk ranks #751 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Virginia. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk?
Norfolk's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,321/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $312,422, 25% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Norfolk?
Norfolk recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 94% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #719 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #138 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norfolk Police Department. Property crime runs 3,188 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norfolk?
The median household in Norfolk earns $66,109, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norfolk?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,321/mo (Census), #556 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,757/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norfolk?
The typical home value in Norfolk is $312,422, up 1.3% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $289,900.
How are the public schools in Norfolk?
Norfolk's 44 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $16,341 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norfolk?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
Norfolk averages 61.6°F over the year, 79°F in summer and 44.2°F in winter, with 49.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norfolk walkable?
Norfolk scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Norfolk at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Norfolk city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Norfolk?
Norfolk city's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Norfolk?
Norfolk has 233,596 residents. The median resident of Norfolk is 32.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norfolk compare with the rest of Virginia?
Norfolk ranks #17 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 28% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Norfolk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norfolk's population of 233,596 are Scottsdale, AZ (#345 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), Port St. Lucie, FL (#488 overall), and Spokane, WA (#767 overall). Norfolk is #751.