Neighborhood Snapshot
Is Wards Corner a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Norfolk, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1112
Medium1112
Low1787
Other5077
203 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape55
Child involved83
Assault68
Other30
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency appears to be occurring near 1st St involving a sick person. | 1st St, Norfolk, VA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were sent to a reported disturbance near the (number withheld) block of East Ocean View Avenue, where a group of about 10 to 12 people were reportedly outside, yelling and being loud. | E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a possible medical emergency near Early Street in Norfolk for an adult man reported to have trouble breathing and vomiting black fluid. A medic unit and an engine transported the patient to a general hospital and coordinated IV access in the truck. | Early St, Norfolk, VA 23513 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 21K dispatched to an incident near Dean Drive involving a female who took oxycodone and is feeling lightheaded. She wants to confirm she did not overdose. | Dean Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, unit 46 conducts a possible traffic stop in Norfolk on a white Ford SUV with a reported Virginia license plate. Dispatch confirms the vehicle registration details and associated records. | Carlton St, Norfolk, VA 23518 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical units are dispatched to a possible non-life‑threatening breathing problem near Early Street involving a 35-year-old man who is reportedly having trouble breathing and vomiting black fluid. A separate call sends responders to Duke Avenue for a 47-year-old woman concerned she may have taken too much prescribed oxycodone and is feeling lightheaded. | Early St, Norfolk, VA 23513 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a possible non-life-threatening medication overdose involving an adult woman at a residence near Dumont Avenue. A separate unit responded to a reported breathing problem at a home on Early Street. | Dumont Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, police and EMS are dispatched to a location near Dumont Ave in Norfolk for a possible narcotic overdose involving a 47-year-old woman who reportedly took oxycodone and Narcan and is experiencing pain, including chest and knee pain. | Dumont Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an officer returning to service took a disturbance call reported near the 1200 block of West Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk. No further details about the people involved or the situation are provided in the radio traffic. | W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible violent domestic assault at a residence near Ashland Drive in Norfolk. The caller states she is being assaulted by her sister-in-law and the sister-in-law’s husband. Units are responding while more information is being gathered. | Ashland Ave, Norfolk, VA 23509 | Domestic Dispute |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$300,317
Average Rent
$2,070
Vacancy Rate
5.2%
Overview of Wards Corner
Wards Corner is an urban neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, characterized by a mix of small to medium-sized apartment buildings and single-family homes.
The median home price is $300,317, which is less expensive than 75% of Virginia neighborhoods and 64.4% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Average rents are $2,070, lower than 65.3% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates are 5.2%, below the national average, indicating steady demand.
UrbanAffordable HousingHigh Rental Occupancy
Quick Facts
| Urban Density | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Wards Corner's housing stock is unique with a high concentration of small apartment buildings uncommon in most U.S. neighborhoods.
| Small 2-4 Unit Apartment Buildings | 57.8% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Majority built 1940-1969, with some 1970-1999 |
| Renter Occupied | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood is dominated by small apartment buildings, offering a distinctive urban living environment.
Vacancy rates below national average suggest steady demand for housing.
Families & Lifestyle
Wards Corner has a distinctive household composition and occupational profile that shapes its community character.
High percentage of residents living alone may indicate a mix of singles and seniors.
A strong military presence influences the neighborhood's daily life and economy.
Sales and service occupations form the backbone of local employment.
Active Military Community — Wards Corner stands out nationally for its high proportion of active military residents.
Diverse Employment — Besides military, many residents work in sales, service, clerical, manufacturing, and professional roles.
| Residents Living Alone | 51.0% |
|---|---|
| Military Employment | Higher than 99.0% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Sales & Service Workers | 40.0% |
Demographics & Culture
| Income Level | Lower than 93.5% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 16.9% |
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 16.4% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 15.0% |
| Top Languages | English (81.6%), Spanish, Italian |
| Top Ancestries | Sub-Saharan African (11.1%), German (10.5%), English (10.1%), Mexican (9.5%), African (8.7%) |
| African Ancestry | 8.7% |
| Jamaican Ancestry | 4.1% |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have relatively short commutes and primarily drive alone to work.
Wards Corner offers manageable commute times with a strong reliance on private vehicles, typical of many U.S. urban neighborhoods.
Short Commutes — 41.7% of residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, which is shorter than average.
Car-Dependent — Most residents drive alone, with some carpooling and walking options.
| Most Common Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 77.5% |
| Carpool Rate | 9.6% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 6.7% |
Homes for sale near 23505
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Wards Corner?
The median home price is $300,317.
What types of housing are most common in Wards Corner?
Small 2, 3, and 4 unit apartment buildings dominate, making up 57.8% of the housing stock.
How long are typical commutes for residents?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes one-way.
What languages are commonly spoken in Wards Corner?
English is spoken by 81.6% of households, with Spanish and Italian also common.