| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Durham/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 265 | 1,028 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.8 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 34.0 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 62.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 41 | 110 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 31 | n/a | 210.6 | 805.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 13.6 | 64.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 224 | 918 | 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 Durham is 87.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes reported in Durham, equivalent to 41 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 88.7%. Additionally, Durham recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 224 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 87.3%.
Durham enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 265, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Durham as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Durham stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 41 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Durham secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Durham has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 224 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Durham remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
To determine if Durham 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. Durham has a total crime rate that is 88% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.11 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.09 daily property crimes) in Durham.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Durham. 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 Durham has decreased by 35%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 64.7%, while property crime has decreased by 23.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Durham.
In Durham, the current unemployment rate stands at 4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Durham crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Durham crime rates. For instance, in Durham, the population density stands at 4645.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Durham has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.36 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Durham | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kittery Point, ME | 1,059 | 14 | 160 | 174 |
| York Harbor, ME | 3,609 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| South Eliot, ME | 3,168 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| Newfields, NH | 260 | 0 | 282 | 282 |
| Raymond, NH | 3,923 | 54 | 308 | 362 |
| Newmarket, NH | 5,955 | 53 | 379 | 432 |
| North Berwick, ME | 1,778 | 171 | 284 | 455 |
| Durham, NH | 12,464 | 41 | 224 | 265 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Merrick, NY | 12,464 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Coldwater, MI | 12,463 | 239 | 1,343 | 1,581 |
| Somerville, NJ | 12,458 | 73 | 747 | 820 |
| Amherst, OH | 12,470 | 239 | 1,000 | 1,239 |
| Kingsburg, CA | 12,458 | 166 | 1,332 | 1,498 |
| Durham, NH | 12,464 | 41 | 224 | 265 |
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