C+
4%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
19%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
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 peopleSurf City/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime97n/a (estimate)2,2362,4692,324
Murder1n/a23.18.16.3
Rape6n/a138.330.540.0
Robbery1n/a23.154.966.1
Assault5n/a115.3311.6268.2
Violent crime13n/a (estimate)300405370
Burglary13n/a299.7370.8269.8
Theft70n/a1,613.71,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a23.1199.3282.7
Property crime84n/a (estimate)1,9362,0641,954

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



The Surf City crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Surf City 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 Surf City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Surf City 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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Compare Surf City, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Surf City crime rates are 4% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Surf City are 19% lower than the national average
      • In Surf City you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Surf City is safer than 35% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Surf City has decreased by 32%

      Surf City, NC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Surf City

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        Daily Crime In Surf City (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Surf City (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Surf City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Surf City is 1 in 334
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Surf City is 1 in 52
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Surf City is 1 in 45

        Year Over Year Crime In Surf City (per 100,000 people)

        Surf City police department

        Item Surf City North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1814,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents9.44.83.3
        There are a total of 18 Surf City police officers. This results in 9.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 96% greater than the North Carolina average and 187.9% 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
        Holly Ridge, NC2,64986604690
        Porters Neck, NC7,693132671803
        Ogden, NC9,071138705844
        Topsail Beach, NC466164834997
        Sneads Ferry, NC2,3262101,0731,283
        Hampstead, NC6,9402121,0821,294
        North Topsail Beach, NC8491002,2982,398
        Surf City, NC3,1873001,9362,236

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Peaceful Valley, WA3,1872632,3502,613
        Millersburg, OH3,1871761,0651,241
        Bethel Acres, OK3,1871789871,165
        Mannford, OK3,186152823976
        Gosnell, AR3,1883821,4511,833
        Surf City, NC3,1873001,9362,236
        Source: The Surf City, 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.