| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Holden Beach/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 1,587 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 105.8 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 106 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 423.3 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 1,058.2 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 1,481 | 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 Holden Beach is 25.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Holden Beach, equivalent to 106 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 70.5%. Additionally, Holden Beach recorded 14 property crimes, amounting to 1481 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 15.8%.
Holden Beach has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 106 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Holden Beach ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Holden Beach registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Holden Beach was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Holden Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (16 responses), 69% of people felt that there was very little crime in Holden Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 31% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Holden Beach a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Holden Beach crime rate is 25% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.04 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.
In Holden Beach, 95.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Holden Beach, the cost of living is 20.57% higher than the national average.
In Holden Beach, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 13.45 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Holden Beach | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 13.4 | 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 |
| St. James, NC | 6,095 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Oak Island, NC | 8,308 | 132 | 691 | 822 |
| Carolina Shores, NC | 4,539 | 155 | 812 | 967 |
| Calabash, NC | 2,115 | 168 | 878 | 1,045 |
| Sunset Beach, NC | 4,096 | 107 | 966 | 1,073 |
| Bolivia, NC | 182 | 276 | 1,446 | 1,723 |
| Boiling Spring Lakes, NC | 6,335 | 290 | 1,434 | 1,724 |
| Holden Beach, NC | 1,011 | 106 | 1,481 | 1,587 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Correctionville, IA | 1,011 | 326 | 1,742 | 2,069 |
| De Soto, IA | 1,011 | 427 | 2,561 | 2,988 |
| Yoe, PA | 1,011 | 295 | 1,720 | 2,015 |
| Centerville, TX | 1,011 | 464 | 2,434 | 2,898 |
| Rosa, AL | 1,011 | 431 | 1,874 | 2,305 |
| Holden Beach, NC | 1,011 | 106 | 1,481 | 1,587 |