Suffolk, Virginia is a small city in the Hampton Roads region that has a mix of things to do. Nature lovers can explore the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and history buffs can check out the preserved historic downtown. Golfers can play at courses like Nansemond River Golf Club. Suffolk is a great place to visit with its variety of activities.
However, not all parts of Suffolk are equally safe and pleasant. Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates and lower quality of life. According to Crime Grade, a website with crime maps, Suffolk’s overall crime rate is 122.5 per 1,000 residents in a standard year.
The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, while the northeast neighborhoods have a higher crime rate. Your chance of being a crime victim in Suffolk ranges from 1 in 4 in the northeast to 1 in 85 in the northwest.
So, which neighborhoods are the most dangerous in Suffolk, and why? Here are the top five, based on the Crime Grade crime map:
| Neighborhood | Population | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Education (Bachelor’s or Higher) |
| Hollywood | 3,000 | 249.9 | $31,000 | 28% | 11% |
| Southside Meadows | 2,000 | 245.8 | $32,000 | 27% | 9% |
| Lakeside | 4,000 | 230.1 | $34,000 | 25% | 10% |
| Chuckatuck | 3,000 | 227.8 | $35,000 | 24% | 12% |
| Whaleyville | 2,000 | 224.6 | $36,000 | 23% | 13% |
Hollywood
This area is in the northeastern part of the city, close to the Chesapeake border. Around 3,000 people live here, and the crime rate is 249.9 per 1,000 residents. People in this neighborhood typically earn about $31,000 a year, and 28% of them are experiencing poverty. Additionally, only 11% of the adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
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Southside Meadows
This area is in the northeast part of the city, next to Hollywood. Around 2,000 people live here, and the crime rate is 245.8 per 1,000 residents.
People in this neighborhood don’t make a lot of money on average, with a median income of $32,000. There’s also a high poverty rate of 27%. Not many adults here have a bachelor’s degree or higher – only 9%.
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Lakeside
This area is in the southeast of the city, close to the Nansemond River. About 4,000 people live here, and the crime rate is 230.1 per 1,000 residents.
The average income in this neighborhood is $34,000, and 25% of the people live in poverty. Most residents are African American, and many haven’t completed higher education. Only 10% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or more.
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Chuckatuck
This area is in the southwest of the city, close to Isle of Wight County. Around 3,000 people live here, and the crime rate is 227.8 per 1,000 residents.
The average income is $35,000, and a lot of people (24%) are experiencing poverty. Most residents are white, and not many have gone to college – only 12% have a bachelor’s degree or more.
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Whaleyville
This area is in the southern part of the city, close to the North Carolina border. Around 2,000 people live here, and the crime rate is 224.6 per 1,000 residents.
The average income is $36,000, and a lot of people here (23%) are dealing with poverty. Not many adults (only 13%) have completed a bachelor’s degree or more.
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To Conclude
These five neighborhoods in Suffolk have higher crime rates, according to the data. They have common features like low income, high poverty, low education, and racial segregation, which might be linked to the elevated crime rates and lower quality of life in these areas.
If you live in or visit these neighborhoods, it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police, and cooperate with law enforcement to help prevent and reduce crime.
Suffolk, Virginia, offers many attractions and opportunities, but it also comes with challenges and risks. Knowing about the more dangerous neighborhoods can help you make informed decisions and take steps to ensure your safety and well-being.
