D+
73%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
29%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
94%
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 peopleNags Head/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime115n/a (estimate)3,6742,3442,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.028.037.5
Robbery0n/a0.050.260.6
Assault8n/a255.6290.1256.1
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)256376359
Burglary26n/a830.7323.9229.2
Theft79n/a2,524.01,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a63.9254.1258.8
Property crime107n/a (estimate)3,4191,9681,760

Nags Head crime map

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The Nags Head crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Nags Head 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 Nags Head crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Nags Head 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Nags Head, NC

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 Nags Head is 73.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes reported in Nags Head, equivalent to 256 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 28.8%. Additionally, Nags Head recorded 107 property crimes, amounting to 3419 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 94.2%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Nags Head reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Nags Head?

AreaVibes surveyed 28 local residents in Nags Head to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Nags Head and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% 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.

Is Nags Head a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Nags Head is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Nags Head has a total crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.32 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.29 daily property crimes) in Nags Head.

Has Crime in Nags Head Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Nags Head has decreased by 2.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Nags Head, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 4.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Nags Head is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Nags Head

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Nags Head crime rates. In Nags Head, the poverty rate stands at 5.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

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 Nags Head, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 8.17 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 rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Nags Head, the average rental rates are $2,020 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Nags Head, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Nags Head crime rates are 73% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Nags Head are 29% lower than the national average
      • In Nags Head you have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Nags Head is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Nags Head has decreased by 20%

      Nags Head, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Nags Head (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Nags Head (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Nags Head

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Nags Head is 1 in 392
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Nags Head is 1 in 30
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Nags Head is 1 in 28

        Year Over Year Crime In Nags Head (per 100,000 people)

        Nags Head police department

        Item Nags Head North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2314,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents8.24.83.3
        There are a total of 23 Nags Head police officers. This results in 8.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 71% greater than the North Carolina average and 151.2% 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
        Manteo, NC1,94853276329
        Wanchese, NC2,169111582693
        Southern Shores, NC3,012321,1111,143
        Kill Devil Hills, NC7,4162171,4971,714
        Kitty Hawk, NC3,6182421,6421,885
        Nags Head, NC3,0502563,4193,674

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Escatawpa, MS3,05068444512
        Navy Yard City, WA3,0491521,1541,306
        Citrus City, TX3,0512441,2801,524
        East Syracuse, NY3,0482069331,140
        Springfield, KY3,04867303370
        Nags Head, NC3,0502563,4193,674
        Source: The Nags Head, 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.