VirginiaPop. 98,796Smaller cities
Is Suffolk a Good Place to Live? Suffolk, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Suffolk ranks #636 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on long commutes (30.2 min, #418 of 524) and low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
Suffolk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Suffolk'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 Suffolk?
Suffolk'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 $1,563/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $389,533, 6% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Suffolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $389,533#601 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,049/mo#735 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $347,400#641 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,563/mo#762 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.2%#480 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Suffolk 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. Suffolk is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Suffolk safe?
Suffolk recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 77% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #669 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #299 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Suffolk Police Department. Property crime runs 1,251 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Suffolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 365#669 of 1,085 | 206 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,251#334 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Suffolk?
The median household in Suffolk earns $92,666, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Suffolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $92,666#430 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.4%#450 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Suffolk?
The median resident of Suffolk is 38.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Suffolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.3%#677 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Suffolk's schools and health?
Suffolk's 19 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $14,431 spent per pupil. 42.4% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Suffolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,431#654 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.4%#1222 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,520 students are enrolled in Suffolk's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Suffolk?
The average commute in Suffolk is 30.2 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 0.2% of workers take transit and 10.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Suffolk scores 6.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1288 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 42.2°F, with 51.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Suffolk | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.2 min#1118 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.5%#956 of 1,312 | 10% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.7% | 15.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.2#1288 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 49.3 | 31.1 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 52.4 | 32.9 | 3 |
| Mar | 59.4 | 38.9 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 69.2 | 48 | 3.6 |
| May | 76.1 | 56.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 83.4 | 65.1 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 86.8 | 69.7 | 5.7 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 68.6 | 5.8 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 63 | 5.8 |
| Oct | 70.5 | 51.5 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 60.5 | 40.8 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 52.7 | 34.8 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Suffolk Lake Kilby.
| Measure | Suffolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Suffolk Lake Kilby.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Suffolk?
Suffolk city's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Suffolk city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Suffolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#208 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Suffolk city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Suffolk city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.031% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0035% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0041% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.046% | 8% 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 Suffolk compare with similar-size cities?
Suffolk is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #282 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 98,796.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #827 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 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 Suffolk compare with the rest of Virginia?
Suffolk ranks #15 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 56 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 1% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 77% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Suffolk's score calculated?
Suffolk scores 56 out of 100, #636 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Suffolk. Similar-size median 55.5.
62.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Suffolk's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
74.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Suffolk. Similar-size median 58.9.
38.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Suffolk's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Suffolk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
65.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Suffolk. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Suffolk. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Suffolk. Similar-size median 50.0.
37.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Suffolk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
27.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
75.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Suffolk's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Is Suffolk, VA a good place to live?
Suffolk ranks #636 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on long commutes (30.2 min, #418 of 524) and low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Suffolk?
Suffolk'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 $1,563/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $389,533, 6% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Suffolk?
Suffolk recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 77% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #669 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #299 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Suffolk Police Department. Property crime runs 1,251 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Suffolk?
The median household in Suffolk earns $92,666, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Suffolk?
Median rent in Suffolk is $1,563/mo (Census), #762 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,049/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Suffolk?
The typical home value in Suffolk is $389,533, up 2.7% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $347,400.
How are the public schools in Suffolk?
Suffolk's 19 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $14,431 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Suffolk?
The average commute is 30.2 minutes, #1118 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 8.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Suffolk?
Suffolk averages 59.4°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 42.2°F in winter, with 51.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Suffolk walkable?
Suffolk scores 6.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1288 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 Suffolk at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Suffolk city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Suffolk?
Suffolk city's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Suffolk?
Suffolk has 98,796 residents. The median resident of Suffolk is 38.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Suffolk compare with the rest of Virginia?
Suffolk ranks #15 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 56 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 1% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 77% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Suffolk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Suffolk's population of 98,796 are Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Longmont, CO (#355 overall), Kenosha, WI (#583 overall), Atascocita, TX (#569 overall), and Fayetteville, AR (#539 overall). Suffolk is #636.