Surf City, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Surf City, 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 Surf City crime rate is lower than the national average by 3.8%. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes in Surf City, equivalent to 300 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 19%. Furthermore, Surf City recorded 84 property crimes, amounting to 1936 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 0.9%.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Surf City 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 Surf City crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Surf City ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Surf City, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Surf City is very similar to the national average. Surf City had a property crime rate of 1936, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Surf City?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Surf City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 16 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 38% of Surf City 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Surf City a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Surf City a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Surf City crime rate is 4% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.27 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.23 property crimes.

Has Crime in Surf City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Surf City has increased by 12.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Surf City 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 44.4%, while property crime has increased by 9.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Surf City.

Potential Causes for Crime in Surf City

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 Surf City crime rates. In Surf City, the poverty rate stands at 7.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Surf City, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Surf City crime rates.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Surf City crime rates. The population density in Surf City is 419 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Surf City crime map