| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Holly Ridge/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 887 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 18.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 36.2 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 54 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 235.4 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 32 | n/a | 579.4 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 18.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 833 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

The Holly Ridge crime rates are 58.1% lower 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 3 violent crimes in Holly Ridge (54 per 100,000 people), which is 84.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 46 property crimes (833 per 100,000 residents) which is 52.7% lower than average.
Holly Ridge stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 54 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Holly Ridge secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Holly Ridge showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Holly Ridge residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Holly Ridge residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Holly Ridge 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, Holly Ridge has an overall crime rate that is 58% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.13 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Holly Ridge as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Holly Ridge. 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 Holly Ridge has increased by 48.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 25%, while property crime has increased by 58.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Holly Ridge.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Holly Ridge, 84.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Holly Ridge, the cost of living is 5.97% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Holly Ridge, there are 7.71 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Holly Ridge | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.7 | 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 |
| Bayshore, NC | 3,878 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Hampstead, NC | 7,098 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Porters Neck, NC | 7,934 | 132 | 691 | 822 |
| Sneads Ferry, NC | 2,410 | 148 | 775 | 923 |
| Topsail Beach, NC | 482 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| North Topsail Beach, NC | 883 | 0 | 1,468 | 1,468 |
| Surf City, NC | 3,261 | 293 | 1,777 | 2,070 |
| Holly Ridge, NC | 2,741 | 54 | 833 | 887 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairlawn, VA | 2,741 | 101 | 724 | 825 |
| Chester Heights, PA | 2,741 | 55 | 323 | 378 |
| Bonners Ferry, ID | 2,741 | 182 | 980 | 1,162 |
| Panorama Village, TX | 2,740 | 108 | 565 | 673 |
| Blanco, TX | 2,740 | 330 | 943 | 1,272 |
| Holly Ridge, NC | 2,741 | 54 | 833 | 887 |