| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morehead City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 280 | n/a (estimate) | 2,854 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 51.0 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 24 | n/a | 244.6 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 296 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 45 | n/a | 458.7 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 193 | n/a | 1,967.4 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 132.5 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 2,559 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
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 Morehead City is 22.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes reported in Morehead City, equivalent to 296 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 20.1%. Additionally, Morehead City recorded 251 property crimes, amounting to 2559 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 30.9%.
In the latest reported crime year, Morehead City 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Morehead City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 71% of people answered that there was very little crime in Morehead City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 29% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Morehead City 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, Morehead City has an overall crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.77 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.69 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Morehead City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Morehead City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Morehead City has decreased by 5.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 14.7% and property crime has decreased by 3.8%.
In Morehead City, the poverty rate currently stands at 13%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Morehead City crime rates.
In Morehead City, 83.4% 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 Morehead City, the cost of living is 2.85% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
| Item | Morehead City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.1 | 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 |
| Harkers Island, NC | 1,314 | 96 | 491 | 587 |
| Broad Creek, NC | 2,306 | 182 | 930 | 1,112 |
| Pine Knoll Shores, NC | 1,284 | 72 | 1,217 | 1,288 |
| Newport, NC | 4,610 | 263 | 1,775 | 2,038 |
| Havelock, NC | 19,927 | 199 | 2,005 | 2,204 |
| Emerald Isle, NC | 3,691 | 330 | 2,081 | 2,411 |
| Beaufort, NC | 4,382 | 599 | 1,903 | 2,501 |
| Morehead City, NC | 9,495 | 296 | 2,559 | 2,854 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Itasca, IL | 9,496 | 149 | 876 | 1,025 |
| Brownsville, TN | 9,497 | 1,253 | 2,380 | 3,633 |
| Beckett Ridge, OH | 9,493 | 103 | 626 | 729 |
| Mound, MN | 9,498 | 184 | 1,289 | 1,473 |
| Park Forest Village, PA | 9,492 | 180 | 951 | 1,130 |
| Morehead City, NC | 9,495 | 296 | 2,559 | 2,854 |
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