Crime Guide

Top 5 Lowest Crime Areas in Norfolk

A data-driven look at the 5 postcode areas with the lowest crime rates in Norfolk, comparing each area's violent, property, theft and public order figures against the Norfolk and national averages.

Updated:

Norwich Town Hall from the Castle
Norwich Town Hall from the Castle: Ashley Dace / Norwich Town Hall from the Castle

Norfolk offers a diverse landscape for those seeking a new home. The county shifts from the dense urban environment of Norwich to expansive rural reaches and quiet coastal towns. Because of these distinct settings, levels of safety differ significantly depending on the local population density and the specific nature of a community. Living in an area with lower reported crime rates is a priority for many families and professionals. These statistics reflect more than just numbers on a page, as they influence personal peace of mind, the security of your home and the long-term stability of local property values. Choosing a location where public order is maintained helps create a more predictable environment for residents.

This article provides an objective comparison of the five postcode areas with the lowest crime figures in the county. Each location is assessed against both the Norfolk average and the wider national average for England and Wales. The analysis covers the primary categories of police-reported incidents, including violent crime, property damage, theft and public order offences. While no neighbourhood remains entirely free of crime, this breakdown identifies the areas where these incidents occur least frequently. By focusing on data, we aim to provide a clear perspective for anyone looking to make an informed decision about where to settle in Norfolk.

The 5 lowest-crime areas in Norfolk at a glance

Rank Area Postcode Households Crime Index
1 Norwich, Norfolk NR8 7,520 1.7%
2 King's Lynn, Norfolk PE32 4,344 2.6%
3 Norwich, Norfolk NR12 7,240 2.9%
4 Thetford, Norfolk IP26 2,570 3.0%
5 King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7,945 3.0%

1. Norwich, Norfolk [NR8]

The NR8 area, encompassing Taverham, Drayton, and the Thorpe Marriott development, functions as a settled residential corridor on the north-western outskirts of Norwich. It is defined by late twentieth-century housing and well-established village amenities, including local schools, small shopping precincts, and green spaces like Marriott’s Way. The demographic is primarily composed of families and professionals who value the balance between proximity to the city and a quieter, suburban pace of life.

The crime statistics for this postcode reinforce its reputation as a notably secure environment. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 15.4 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 71% below the county average and 81% below the national average. Property crime figures are similarly low at 5.6 incidents per 1,000 households, representing a position 67% below the county average and 84% below the national average. Other recorded figures include 8.2 incidents of public order per 1,000 households, 3.5 incidents of theft, and 0.7 other incidents per 1,000 households.

For residents, these figures translate into a high degree of peace of mind. The risk of encountering serious crime, burglary, or theft is statistically minimal when compared to wider county and national trends. While no area is entirely free from issues, the low frequency of incidents across all categories suggests a stable, low-risk environment suitable for those seeking a secure residential setting.

How Norwich, Norfolk compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Norfolk and national averages.

Property Crime

84% below the national average.

Theft

90% below the national average.

Violent Crime

81% below the national average.

Public Order

85% below the national average.

Other

86% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Norwich, Norfolk →

2. King's Lynn, Norfolk [PE32]

The PE32 postcode area serves as a rural landscape within West Norfolk, encompassing a collection of quiet villages and sprawling farmland. It attracts a mix of families seeking space and long-term residents who value the slow pace of country life. The lack of major urban centres keeps the environment calm, with a strong focus on local community ties rather than nightlife or intensive commerce.

Crime statistics for the area highlight a high level of security for those living here. Violent crime sits at 24.4 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 54% below the county average and 69% below the national average. Property crime occurs at a rate of 9.7 per 1,000 households, performing 43% better than the county and 72% better than the national average. For theft, the figure is 6.9 per 1,000 households, marking 65% below the county average and 80% below the national average. Public order offences are recorded at 17.3 per 1,000 households, sitting 44% under the county average and 69% under the national average. Other incident categories remain low at 0.7 per 1,000 households.

These figures suggest a standard of safety that far exceeds broader regional and national trends. Residents generally experience a low risk of victimisation, allowing for a predictable and stable daily life where concerns regarding street-level disruption or theft are infrequent.

How King's Lynn, Norfolk compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Norfolk and national averages.

Property Crime

72% below the national average.

Theft

80% below the national average.

Violent Crime

70% below the national average.

Public Order

69% below the national average.

Other

85% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for King's Lynn, Norfolk →

3. Norwich, Norfolk [NR12]

The NR12 area, covering villages such as Barton Turf, Dilham, and Smallburgh, is defined by its setting within the Norfolk Broads. It is a largely rural landscape characterised by river valleys, fenland, and historic drainage mills like the prominent Hunsett Mill. This area attracts those seeking a quieter pace of life, often drawing people who value proximity to the water and the open, green spaces of the Broadland environment. Many residents live in established village communities or individual properties linked by narrow roads and lanes.

Crime statistics for this region compare favourably against both county and national figures. Property crime is low at 7.7 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 54% below the county average and 78% below the national average. Theft is similarly sparse at 8.8 incidents per 1,000 households, standing 55% below the county average and 74% below the national average. Violent crime sits at 27.8 incidents per 1,000 households, representing a rate 48% below the county average and 65% below the national average. Public order offences are recorded at 20.6 per 1,000 households, while other incidents occur at a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 households. For those moving to the area, these figures offer significant peace of mind regarding the risk of burglary or personal harm.

How Norwich, Norfolk compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Norfolk and national averages.

Property Crime

78% below the national average.

Theft

74% below the national average.

Violent Crime

65% below the national average.

Public Order

63% below the national average.

Other

44% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Norwich, Norfolk →

4. Thetford, Norfolk [IP26]

Thetford serves as a significant hub within the Breckland region, acting as a focal point for the surrounding rural villages and agricultural communities. The area is defined by its mix of woodland, forest landscapes, and established residential pockets, attracting a blend of long-term local families and commuters who appreciate the proximity to the A11. While it retains the character of an active market town, it also provides access to the quieter, more expansive natural environments that typify this part of Norfolk.

Crime figures for the area show a positive picture for prospective residents. Violent crime sits at 27.6 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 48% below the county average and 65% below the national average. Property crime rates are also favourable at 11.3 per 1,000 households, representing a 33% reduction compared to the county and 67% below the national level. Theft remains particularly low at 5.8 per 1,000 households, marking a 70% decrease from the county average and 83% below the national figure. Public order offences are similarly low at 10.9 per 1,000 households. However, the category for other incidents is 4.7 per 1,000 households, which is 49% above the county average and matches the national average exactly. Overall, these figures suggest a stable environment with low risks regarding theft and violence, providing reliable peace of mind for those choosing to live here.

How Thetford, Norfolk compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Norfolk and national averages.

Property Crime

68% below the national average.

Theft

83% below the national average.

Violent Crime

66% below the national average.

Public Order

81% below the national average.

Other

0% above the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Thetford, Norfolk →

5. King's Lynn, Norfolk [PE31]

The PE31 area encompasses a stretch of the Norfolk coastline and its hinterland, balancing working agricultural villages with popular holiday destinations. It attracts a mix of retirees, families seeking a quieter pace, and people purchasing second homes. The landscape is dominated by open fields and coastal marshland, creating a sense of isolation that keeps the population density relatively low compared to more urbanised parts of the region.

When looking at safety, the statistics reflect a generally secure environment. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 27.3 incidents per 1,000 households, which sits 49% below the county average and 66% below the national average. Property crime is notably low at 7.4 incidents per 1,000 households, marking a figure 56% below the county average and 79% below the national average. Theft is similarly sparse at 5.9 incidents per 1,000 households, or 70% below the county average and 83% below the national average. For public order, the rate is 14.5 incidents per 1,000 households, while other incidents remain at 1.8 per 1,000. These figures suggest that residents enjoy significant peace of mind regarding burglary and street-level crime. While no area is entirely free of risk, the data indicates that PE31 remains substantially safer than both regional and national benchmarks, making it a reliable choice for those prioritising a low-crime residential setting.

How King's Lynn, Norfolk compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Norfolk and national averages.

Property Crime

79% below the national average.

Theft

83% below the national average.

Violent Crime

66% below the national average.

Public Order

74% below the national average.

Other

62% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for King's Lynn, Norfolk →

Frequently asked questions

Which is the lowest-crime area in Norfolk?

Norwich, Norfolk has the lowest weighted crime rate of the Norfolk postcode areas in this guide, based on police.uk recorded-crime data.

How is crime measured in this guide?

Each area's recorded offences are expressed per 1,000 households and split into violent crime, property crime, theft and public order, then benchmarked against the Norfolk and England & Wales averages. Data is from police.uk and updated monthly.

When was this guide last updated?

The crime figures on this page were last refreshed on 2026-06-01.

Data sources

Crime data sourced from police.uk and updated monthly.

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2026. Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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