Rocky Mount, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Rocky Mount, NC

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Rocky Mount is 57.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 473 violent crimes reported in Rocky Mount, equivalent to 881 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 138.3%. Additionally, Rocky Mount recorded 1486 property crimes, amounting to 2769 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 41.7%.

With a violent crime rate of 881 crimes per 100,000 residents, Rocky Mount is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Rocky Mount ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Rocky Mount is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 19 murders in Rocky Mount, which equates to 35 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Rocky Mount being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Rocky Mount?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Rocky Mount residents. Out of the respondents (99 in total), 12% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Rocky Mount were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 88% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Rocky Mount a Safe Place to Live?

Is Rocky Mount 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, Rocky Mount has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 57%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 5.37 daily incidents, encompassing 1.3 violent crimes and 4.07 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Rocky Mount as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Rocky Mount Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Rocky Mount has increased by 7.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Rocky Mount, 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 decreased by 6%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Rocky Mount is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Rocky Mount

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Rocky Mount, the cost of living is 14.28% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Rocky Mount has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.24 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Rocky Mount has an average rental rate of $782 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Rocky Mount crime map