D+
124%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
159%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleAtlantic Beach/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime74n/a (estimate)5,2112,4692,324
Murder1n/a70.48.16.3
Rape0n/a0.030.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.054.966.1
Assault1n/a70.4311.6268.2
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)141405370
Burglary20n/a1,408.4370.8269.8
Theft46n/a3,239.41,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft6n/a422.5199.3282.7
Property crime72n/a (estimate)5,0702,0641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Atlantic Beach, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Atlantic Beach crime rate is 124.2% higher 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 Atlantic Beach, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 141 per 100,000 individuals, 61.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Atlantic Beach recorded 72 property crimes, amounting to 5070 per 100,000 residents, 159.4% higher than the U.S. average.

Atlantic Beach has a crime rate of 5211 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 124.22%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Atlantic Beach. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Atlantic Beach is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Atlantic Beach, which equates to 70 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Atlantic Beach being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 5070 crimes per 100,000 people, Atlantic Beach unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Atlantic Beach is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

With a total of 6 vehicle thefts last year, Atlantic Beach has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 423 per 100,000 people. This lands Atlantic Beach in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 237.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Atlantic Beach?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Atlantic Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 56% of Atlantic Beach 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, 44% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Atlantic Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Atlantic Beach 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, Atlantic Beach has an overall crime rate that is 124% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.2 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.2 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Atlantic Beach as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Atlantic Beach Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Atlantic Beach. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Atlantic Beach has increased by 1.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 4.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Atlantic Beach.

Potential Causes for Crime in Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach has a poverty rate of 7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Atlantic Beach crime rates. For instance, in Atlantic Beach, the population density stands at 784.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The median home price in Atlantic Beach is $361,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Atlantic Beach crime map



The Atlantic Beach crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Atlantic Beach as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Atlantic Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Atlantic Beach crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Atlantic Beach crime rates are 124% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Atlantic Beach are 62% lower than the national average
  • In Atlantic Beach you have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Atlantic Beach is safer than 25% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Atlantic Beach has increased by 8%

Atlantic Beach, NC Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Atlantic Beach (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Atlantic Beach (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Atlantic Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 711
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 20
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Atlantic Beach is 1 in 20

        Year Over Year Crime In Atlantic Beach (per 100,000 people)

        Atlantic Beach police department

        Item Atlantic Beach North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1814,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents11.84.83.3
        There are a total of 18 Atlantic Beach police officers. This results in 11.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 146.2% greater than the North Carolina average and 261.6% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Harkers Island, NC1,31496491587
        Broad Creek, NC2,3061829301,112
        Pine Knoll Shores, NC1,284721,2171,288
        Newport, NC4,6102631,7752,038
        Havelock, NC19,9271992,0052,204
        Emerald Isle, NC3,6913302,0812,411
        Beaufort, NC4,3825991,9032,501
        Atlantic Beach, NC1,8701415,0705,211

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wofford Heights, CA1,8702361,1071,343
        Steeleville, IL1,8701569131,068
        Dunsmuir, CA1,8701,0471,3952,442
        Cooperstown, NY1,869129518647
        Chevy Chase Village, MD1,87162256319
        Atlantic Beach, NC1,8701415,0705,211
        Source: The Atlantic Beach, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.