| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elizabeth City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 520 | n/a (estimate) | 2,728 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 15.7 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 31.5 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 47.2 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 246.5 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 341 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 96 | n/a | 503.6 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 303 | n/a | 1,589.4 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 56 | n/a | 293.7 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 455 | n/a (estimate) | 2,387 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

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 Elizabeth City crime rate is higher than the national average by 28.7%. Specifically, there were 65 violent crimes in Elizabeth City, equivalent to 341 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 5.1%. Furthermore, Elizabeth City recorded 455 property crimes, amounting to 2387 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 35.6%.
The violent crime rate in Elizabeth City closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 341 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Elizabeth City as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Elizabeth City 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 3 murders in Elizabeth City, which is 16 murders per 100,000 people.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Elizabeth City residents. Out of the respondents (69 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Elizabeth City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Elizabeth City a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Elizabeth City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.42 daily incidents, encompassing 0.18 violent crimes and 1.25 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elizabeth City as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Elizabeth City has increased by 1.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Elizabeth 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 decreased by 9.7%, while property crime has increased by 3.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Elizabeth City.
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 Elizabeth City crime rates. The population density in Elizabeth City is 1575.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Elizabeth City, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.6, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Elizabeth City has an average rental rate of $1,391 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Elizabeth City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 68 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 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 |
| Moyock, NC | 5,332 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Hertford, NC | 2,192 | 170 | 888 | 1,057 |
| Camden, NC | 949 | 293 | 1,536 | 1,829 |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 18,364 | 341 | 2,387 | 2,728 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Amsterdam, NY | 18,359 | 582 | 2,633 | 3,214 |
| Cary, IL | 18,372 | 11 | 477 | 488 |
| Portland, TX | 18,353 | 156 | 844 | 1,000 |
| West Columbia, SC | 18,344 | 748 | 4,438 | 5,185 |
| Logansport, IN | 18,342 | 71 | 1,214 | 1,286 |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 18,364 | 341 | 2,387 | 2,728 |