D+
29%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
5%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
36%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleElizabeth City/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime520n/a (estimate)2,7282,3442,119
Murder3n/a15.77.55.0
Rape6n/a31.528.037.5
Robbery9n/a47.250.260.6
Assault47n/a246.5290.1256.1
Violent crime65n/a (estimate)341376359
Burglary96n/a503.6323.9229.2
Theft303n/a1,589.41,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft56n/a293.7254.1258.8
Property crime455n/a (estimate)2,3871,9681,760

Elizabeth City crime map

Get this widget

The Elizabeth City crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Elizabeth City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Elizabeth City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Elizabeth City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Elizabeth City, NC

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Elizabeth City?

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?

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.

Has Crime in Elizabeth City Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime 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.

Compare Elizabeth City, NC Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Elizabeth City crime rates are 29% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Elizabeth City are 5% lower than the national average
      • In Elizabeth City you have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Elizabeth City is safer than 21% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Elizabeth City has decreased by 6%

      Elizabeth City, NC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Elizabeth City

        See all the best places to live around Elizabeth City
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Elizabeth City?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Elizabeth City?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Elizabeth City poll results

        Daily Crime In Elizabeth City (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Elizabeth City for every 100,000 residents. The Elizabeth City total amount of daily crime is 1.16 times more than the North Carolina average and 1.29 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Elizabeth City, is 1.10 times less than the North Carolina average, and it is 1.05 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Elizabeth City has a daily crime average that is 1.21 times more than the North Carolina average and 1.36 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Elizabeth City (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Elizabeth City in comparison to other North Carolina communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Elizabeth City safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Elizabeth City being safer than 41% of cities in North Carolina and 21% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking North Carolina cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Elizabeth City. In conclusion, Elizabeth City ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Elizabeth City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Elizabeth City is 1 in 294
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Elizabeth City is 1 in 42
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Elizabeth City is 1 in 37
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Elizabeth City? If you reside in Elizabeth City, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 294. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 42 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Elizabeth City, is 1 in 37.

        Year Over Year Crime In Elizabeth City (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Elizabeth City has decreased by 28%, the amount of property crime in Elizabeth City has decreased by 1%, and the total amount of crime in Elizabeth City has decreased by 6% year over year.

        Elizabeth City police department

        Item Elizabeth City North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)6814,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.64.83.3
        There are a total of 68 Elizabeth City police officers. This results in 3.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 24.6% less than the North Carolina average and 10.8% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Moyock, NC5,332122640762
        Hertford, NC2,1921708881,057
        Camden, NC9492931,5361,829
        Elizabeth City, NC18,3643412,3872,728

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Amsterdam, NY18,3595822,6333,214
        Cary, IL18,37211477488
        Portland, TX18,3531568441,000
        West Columbia, SC18,3447484,4385,185
        Logansport, IN18,342711,2141,286
        Elizabeth City, NC18,3643412,3872,728
        Source: The Elizabeth City, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.