| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Beaufort/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 100 | n/a (estimate) | 2,033 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 81.3 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 223.6 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 305 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 243.9 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 70 | n/a | 1,422.8 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 61.0 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 1,728 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

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 Beaufort is 4.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Beaufort, equivalent to 305 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 15.1%. Additionally, Beaufort recorded 85 property crimes, amounting to 1728 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 1.8%.
In terms of the total Beaufort crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Beaufort, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Beaufort experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Beaufort has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1728 property crimes in Beaufort, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What do the local residents think about crime in Beaufort? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 80% of Beaufort residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 20% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Beaufort is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Beaufort has a total crime rate that is 4% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.27 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.23 daily property crimes) in Beaufort.
Year-over-year crime rates in Beaufort has increased by 26.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Beaufort 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 25%, while property crime has increased by 26.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Beaufort.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Beaufort, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Beaufort, the cost of living is 0.67% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Beaufort, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.35 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

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| Item | Beaufort | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 | 1,346 | 97 | 507 | 604 |
| Pine Knoll Shores, NC | 1,328 | 0 | 625 | 625 |
| Broad Creek, NC | 2,356 | 130 | 679 | 808 |
| Indian Beach, NC | 188 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Newport, NC | 4,772 | 287 | 1,455 | 1,742 |
| Havelock, NC | 20,409 | 205 | 1,575 | 1,780 |
| Davis, NC | 232 | 343 | 1,796 | 2,139 |
| Beaufort, NC | 4,520 | 305 | 1,728 | 2,033 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boalsburg, PA | 4,520 | 64 | 373 | 437 |
| Mauston, WI | 4,520 | 97 | 971 | 1,068 |
| Indian Mountain Lake, PA | 4,520 | 167 | 972 | 1,139 |
| St. James, MN | 4,520 | 150 | 557 | 707 |
| Euharlee, GA | 4,521 | 169 | 847 | 1,016 |
| Beaufort, NC | 4,520 | 305 | 1,728 | 2,033 |