| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilmington/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,049 | n/a (estimate) | 3,398 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 10.1 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 77 | n/a | 64.6 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 111 | n/a | 93.2 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 434 | n/a | 364.2 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 634 | n/a (estimate) | 532 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 470 | n/a | 394.4 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,675 | n/a | 2,244.9 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 270 | n/a | 226.6 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,415 | n/a (estimate) | 2,866 | 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 Wilmington is 46.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 634 violent crimes reported in Wilmington, equivalent to 532 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 43.9%. Additionally, Wilmington recorded 3415 property crimes, amounting to 2866 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 46.6%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Wilmington has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 12 murders in Wilmington, which is 10 murders per 100,000 people.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Wilmington residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 203 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 34% of Wilmington 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, 66% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wilmington, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wilmington presents a total crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wilmington experiences an average of 11.09 daily crimes, comprising 1.74 violent incidents and 9.36 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington has decreased by 3.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 3.2%, while property crime has decreased by 3.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wilmington.
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 Wilmington crime rates. In Wilmington, the poverty rate stands at 19.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Wilmington has a population density of 2376.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Wilmington crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Wilmington, 87.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
| Item | Wilmington | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 304 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Sea Breeze, NC | 1,646 | 97 | 497 | 594 |
| Bayshore, NC | 3,776 | 121 | 619 | 740 |
| Porters Neck, NC | 7,693 | 132 | 671 | 803 |
| Ogden, NC | 9,071 | 138 | 705 | 844 |
| Skippers Corner, NC | 3,250 | 145 | 738 | 883 |
| Belville, NC | 2,696 | 147 | 748 | 895 |
| Northchase, NC | 4,987 | 187 | 951 | 1,137 |
| Wilmington, NC | 122,162 | 532 | 2,866 | 3,398 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hartford, CT | 122,549 | 570 | 2,478 | 3,048 |
| Odessa, TX | 122,630 | 520 | 2,068 | 2,588 |
| Columbia, MO | 122,659 | 472 | 2,615 | 3,086 |
| Victorville, CA | 122,958 | 940 | 1,812 | 2,753 |
| Vallejo, CA | 121,275 | 974 | 4,232 | 5,206 |
| Wilmington, NC | 122,162 | 532 | 2,866 | 3,398 |
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