| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kill Devil Hills/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 134 | n/a (estimate) | 1,714 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 25.6 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 38.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 153.5 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 217 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 25 | n/a | 319.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 90 | n/a | 1,151.3 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 25.6 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 117 | n/a (estimate) | 1,497 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Kill Devil Hills crime rate is 19.1% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Kill Devil Hills, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 217 per 100,000 individuals, 39.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Kill Devil Hills recorded 117 property crimes, amounting to 1497 per 100,000 residents, 15% lower than the U.S. average.
Kill Devil Hills 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 6 local residents in Kill Devil Hills to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Kill Devil Hills and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Kill Devil Hills 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, Kill Devil Hills has an overall crime rate that is 19% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.37 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Kill Devil Hills 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 Kill Devil Hills. 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 Kill Devil Hills has decreased by 39.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 26.1%, while property crime has decreased by 41.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kill Devil Hills.
In Kill Devil Hills, the cost of living is 9.82% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Kill Devil Hills, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.83 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Kill Devil Hills are $1,625, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Kill Devil Hills | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.8 | 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 |
| Manteo, NC | 1,948 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| Wanchese, NC | 2,169 | 111 | 582 | 693 |
| Duck, NC | 600 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Southern Shores, NC | 3,012 | 32 | 1,111 | 1,143 |
| Kitty Hawk, NC | 3,618 | 242 | 1,642 | 1,885 |
| Nags Head, NC | 3,050 | 256 | 3,419 | 3,674 |
| Kill Devil Hills, NC | 7,416 | 217 | 1,497 | 1,714 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Pierce North, FL | 7,416 | 298 | 1,583 | 1,880 |
| North Vernon, IN | 7,415 | 229 | 1,114 | 1,343 |
| Nappanee, IN | 7,418 | 205 | 657 | 862 |
| Jackson, WI | 7,419 | 161 | 668 | 829 |
| Knoxville, IA | 7,412 | 325 | 1,719 | 2,044 |
| Kill Devil Hills, NC | 7,416 | 217 | 1,497 | 1,714 |