Chapel Hill, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chapel Hill, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Chapel Hill crime rate is 6.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Chapel Hill, there were 113 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 185 per 100,000 individuals, 49.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Chapel Hill recorded 1213 property crimes, amounting to 1989 per 100,000 residents, 1.8% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Chapel Hill per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Chapel Hill crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Chapel Hill exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1989 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Chapel Hill maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chapel Hill?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Chapel Hill residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 43 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 65% of Chapel Hill residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 35% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Chapel Hill a Safe Place to Live?

Is Chapel Hill a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Chapel Hill has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.63 daily incidents, encompassing 0.31 violent crimes and 3.32 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Chapel Hill as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Chapel Hill Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Chapel Hill has decreased by 1.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Chapel Hill is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 2.7%, while property crime has decreased by 1.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Chapel Hill.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chapel Hill

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Chapel Hill crime rates. In Chapel Hill, the poverty rate stands at 18.5%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Chapel Hill, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.32, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Chapel Hill, the average rental rates are $1,221 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Chapel Hill crime map