| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Durham/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 13,266 | n/a (estimate) | 4,419 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 37 | n/a | 12.3 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 172 | n/a | 57.3 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 483 | n/a | 160.9 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,167 | n/a | 388.7 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,859 | n/a (estimate) | 619 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,352 | n/a | 450.4 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 8,182 | n/a | 2,725.4 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,873 | n/a | 623.9 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 11,407 | n/a (estimate) | 3,800 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
The Durham crime rates are 108.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1859 violent crimes in Durham (619 per 100,000 people), which is 72.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 11407 property crimes (3800 per 100,000 residents) which is 115.9% higher than average.
Durham has a crime rate of 4419 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 108.52%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Durham. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Durham stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Durham, there were a total of 37 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Durham faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3800 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Durham stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Durham is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Durham reported a total of 1873 vehicle thefts, resulting in 624 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 161, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Durham? Well, based on a recent survey of 333 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 23% of Durham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 77% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Durham 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, Durham has an overall crime rate that is 109% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 36.35 daily occurrences, comprising 5.09 violent crimes and 31.25 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Durham as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Durham. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Durham has increased by 12.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 13.9%, while property crimes have increased by 17.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Durham crime rates. Durham registers a population density of 2587.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Durham, 84.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Durham, the cost of living is 8.41% higher 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Durham | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 665 | 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 |
| Fearrington Village, NC | 2,787 | 59 | 309 | 368 |
| Stem, NC | 1,207 | 94 | 494 | 588 |
| Cary, NC | 173,346 | 71 | 1,317 | 1,388 |
| Butner, NC | 8,082 | 245 | 1,312 | 1,557 |
| Creedmoor, NC | 4,714 | 316 | 1,599 | 1,915 |
| Carrboro, NC | 22,056 | 181 | 1,929 | 2,110 |
| Efland, NC | 823 | 364 | 1,904 | 2,268 |
| Durham, NC | 285,434 | 619 | 3,800 | 4,419 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Toledo, OH | 281,644 | 1,041 | 2,732 | 3,773 |
| Irvine, CA | 280,132 | 84 | 1,390 | 1,474 |
| Newark, NJ | 290,764 | 581 | 1,957 | 2,539 |
| Lincoln, NE | 293,945 | 348 | 2,446 | 2,794 |
| Orlando, FL | 294,679 | 215 | 1,144 | 1,359 |
| Durham, NC | 285,434 | 619 | 3,800 | 4,419 |
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