| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elizabeth City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 629 | n/a (estimate) | 3,354 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 42.7 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 48.0 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 37.3 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 77 | n/a | 410.6 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 539 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 151 | n/a | 805.3 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 333 | n/a | 1,775.9 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 44 | n/a | 234.7 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 528 | n/a (estimate) | 2,816 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Elizabeth City is 44.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Elizabeth City, there were 101 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 539 per 100,000 individuals, 45.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 528 property crimes, amounting to 2816 per 100,000 residents, 44.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Elizabeth City is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 8 murders in Elizabeth City, which equates to 43 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Elizabeth City being a very dangerous place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Elizabeth City? Well, based on a recent survey of 65 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 26% of Elizabeth City residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 74% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Elizabeth City 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, Elizabeth City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 44%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.72 daily incidents, encompassing 0.28 violent crimes and 1.45 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elizabeth City as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Elizabeth City. 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 Elizabeth City has increased by 22.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 40.3%, while property crime has increased by 20%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Elizabeth City.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Elizabeth City crime rates. Elizabeth City registers a population density of 1515.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Elizabeth City, 77.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Elizabeth City has a median home price of $149,400, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Elizabeth City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 68 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Moyock, NC | 5,180 | 119 | 605 | 724 |
| Hertford, NC | 2,126 | 212 | 1,078 | 1,290 |
| Camden, NC | 914 | 377 | 1,919 | 2,295 |
| South Mills, NC | 391 | 384 | 1,958 | 2,342 |
| Winfall, NC | 820 | 436 | 2,222 | 2,658 |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 17,725 | 539 | 2,816 | 3,354 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ferndale, MD | 17,732 | 501 | 2,060 | 2,561 |
| White Settlement, TX | 17,716 | 312 | 2,412 | 2,724 |
| Natchitoches, LA | 17,711 | 780 | 3,409 | 4,190 |
| Gretna, LA | 17,746 | 599 | 3,624 | 4,223 |
| Takoma Park, MD | 17,703 | 235 | 966 | 1,202 |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 17,725 | 539 | 2,816 | 3,354 |
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