| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morehead City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 342 | n/a (estimate) | 3,434 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 50.2 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 10.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 30 | n/a | 301.2 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 361 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 170.7 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 281 | n/a | 2,821.3 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 80.3 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 306 | n/a (estimate) | 3,072 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
The Morehead City crime rates are 62% higher 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 36 violent crimes in Morehead City (361 per 100,000 people), which is 0.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 306 property crimes (3072 per 100,000 residents) which is 74.6% higher than average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Morehead City is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Morehead City reported 361 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Morehead City 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 conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Morehead City residents. Out of the respondents (16 in total), 75% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Morehead City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 25% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Morehead City 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, Morehead City has an overall crime rate that is 62% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.94 daily occurrences, comprising 0.1 violent crimes and 0.84 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Morehead City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Morehead City has increased by 15.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Morehead 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 increased by 5.9%, while property crime has increased by 17.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Morehead City.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Morehead City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Morehead City has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Morehead City crime rates. For instance, in Morehead City, the population density stands at 1392.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Morehead City is $455,784, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Morehead City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.1 | 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 |
| Harkers Island, NC | 1,346 | 97 | 507 | 604 |
| Pine Knoll Shores, NC | 1,328 | 0 | 625 | 625 |
| Broad Creek, NC | 2,356 | 130 | 679 | 808 |
| Indian Beach, NC | 188 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Newport, NC | 4,772 | 287 | 1,455 | 1,742 |
| Havelock, NC | 20,409 | 205 | 1,575 | 1,780 |
| Beaufort, NC | 4,520 | 305 | 1,728 | 2,033 |
| Morehead City, NC | 9,827 | 361 | 3,072 | 3,434 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Athens, CA | 9,830 | 441 | 1,887 | 2,328 |
| Countryside, VA | 9,823 | 82 | 592 | 674 |
| White Horse, NJ | 9,822 | 214 | 1,402 | 1,616 |
| Corona de Tucson, AZ | 9,822 | 252 | 1,072 | 1,324 |
| Marlboro Village, MD | 9,834 | 340 | 1,662 | 2,002 |
| Morehead City, NC | 9,827 | 361 | 3,072 | 3,434 |
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