Raleigh, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Raleigh, NC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Raleigh crime rate is higher than the national average by 22%. Specifically, there were 2353 violent crimes in Raleigh, equivalent to 500 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 35.1%. Furthermore, Raleigh recorded 10992 property crimes, amounting to 2335 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 19.5%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Raleigh?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Raleigh. Based on the results of the surveys (173 responses), 66% of people felt that there was very little crime in Raleigh and felt safe walking alone at night. While 34% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Raleigh a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Raleigh is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Raleigh has an overall crime rate that is 22% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 36.56 daily occurrences, comprising 6.45 violent crimes and 30.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Raleigh as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Raleigh Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Raleigh has increased by 6.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Raleigh, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 5.2%, while property crime has increased by 6.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Raleigh is a safe place to live.

Raleigh Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Raleigh area comprises a diverse array of over 18 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Glenwood, Northwest and North which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as East Raleigh, South Central and North Central exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Raleigh neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Raleigh

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 Raleigh crime rates. In Raleigh, the poverty rate stands at 11.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Raleigh has a population density of 3192.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Raleigh crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Raleigh stands at $266,900, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Raleigh crime map