A+
84%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
84%
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 peopleDurham/100k peopleNew Hampshire/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime58n/a (estimate)3731,1372,324
Murder0n/a0.01.86.3
Rape6n/a38.639.640.0
Robbery1n/a6.416.166.1
Assault2n/a12.968.1268.2
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)58126370
Burglary3n/a19.373.5269.8
Theft44n/a283.0871.01,401.9
Vehicle theft2n/a12.966.5282.7
Property crime49n/a (estimate)3151,0111,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Durham, NH

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Durham crime rate is 84% 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 Durham, there were 9 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 58 per 100,000 individuals, 84.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Durham recorded 49 property crimes, amounting to 315 per 100,000 residents, 83.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Durham has a crime rate of 373, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Durham being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Durham has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 58 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Durham ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Durham recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Durham has a property crime rate of 315 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Durham is a safe place to live.

Is Durham a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Durham 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 Durham crime rate is 84% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.16 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes.

Has Crime in Durham Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Durham. 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 Durham has decreased by 3.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 47.1%, while property crime has decreased by 14%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Durham.

Potential Causes for Crime in Durham

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Durham crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Durham has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Durham, the cost of living is 28.5% higher than the national average.

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 Durham stands at $373,100, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Durham crime map



The Durham crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Durham 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 Durham crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Durham 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

      • Durham crime rates are 84% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Durham are 84% lower than the national average
      • In Durham you have a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Durham is safer than 89% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Durham has increased by 5%

      Durham, NH Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Durham (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Durham, NH per 100,000 people. In Durham, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 3.05 times less than the New Hampshire average and 6.23 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Durham is 2.17 times less than the New Hampshire average and 6.39 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Durham has a daily crime rate that is 3.21 times less than the New Hampshire average and 6.20 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Durham (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in New Hampshire and all other cities across the US, is Durham safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Durham is safer than 84% of other cities in the state of New Hampshire. In addition, Durham is safer than 89% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all New Hampshire and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Durham. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Durham is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Durham

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Durham is 1 in 1728
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Durham is 1 in 318
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Durham is 1 in 269
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Durham, New Hampshire you have a 1 in 1728 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 318 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Durham.

        Year Over Year Crime In Durham (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Durham is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Durham has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 43% in Durham, while property crimes in Durham have increased by 24%. Total crime has increased by 5% year over year.

        Durham police department

        Item Durham New Hampshire National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)201,969558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.42.43.3
        There are a total of 20 Durham police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 43.3% less than the New Hampshire average and 58.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Hampshire

        State Total offenders New Hampshire /100K National /100K
        New Hampshire2,616204266
        There are a total of 2,616 sex offenders in New Hampshire. This yields a total of 204 sex offenders in New Hampshire per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kittery Point, ME1,03414170185
        York Harbor, ME3,48416190207
        Newfields, NH2540227227
        South Eliot, ME3,04728332360
        North Berwick, ME1,71697387484
        Newmarket, NH5,73785499584
        Exeter, NH9,34980582662
        Durham, NH12,01658315373

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Port Lavaca, TX12,0151991,8742,073
        Babylon, NY12,0112038141,017
        Edgewood, WA12,0101713,3643,535
        Green River, WY12,025192796988
        Hasbrouck Heights, NJ12,02625633658
        Durham, NH12,01658315373
        Source: The Durham, NH 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.