| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | New Bern/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 644 | n/a (estimate) | 1,979 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 12.3 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 33.8 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 43.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 89 | n/a | 273.4 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 118 | n/a (estimate) | 363 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 89 | n/a | 273.4 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 421 | n/a | 1,293.5 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 49.2 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 1,616 | 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 New Bern is 6.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 118 violent crimes reported in New Bern, equivalent to 363 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 1%. Additionally, New Bern recorded 526 property crimes, amounting to 1616 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 8.2%.
In terms of the total New Bern crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in New Bern, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
New Bern exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 363 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores New Bern as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. New Bern has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 4 murders in New Bern, which is 12 murders per 100,000 people.
New Bern maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In New Bern, 1616 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
What do the local residents think about crime in New Bern? Well, based on a recent survey of 51 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 61% of New Bern residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 39% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether New Bern 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, New Bern has an overall crime rate that is 7% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.76 daily occurrences, comprising 0.32 violent crimes and 1.44 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of New Bern as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in New Bern has decreased by 32.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not New Bern 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 decreased by 22.9%, while property crime has decreased by 34.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in New Bern.
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 New Bern, 81% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 New Bern, there are 3.34 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.
In New Bern, the average rental rates are $1,315 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | New Bern | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 101 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Brices Creek, NC | 4,266 | 98 | 511 | 609 |
| Trent Woods, NC | 4,161 | 98 | 511 | 609 |
| Fairfield Harbour, NC | 2,877 | 99 | 518 | 617 |
| Neuse Forest, NC | 2,056 | 112 | 587 | 699 |
| River Bend, NC | 3,154 | 142 | 742 | 884 |
| Alliance, NC | 1,140 | 174 | 911 | 1,085 |
| Vanceboro, NC | 1,095 | 175 | 913 | 1,088 |
| New Bern, NC | 30,984 | 363 | 1,616 | 1,979 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Atwater, CA | 30,996 | 710 | 2,194 | 2,904 |
| North Tonawanda, NY | 31,006 | 154 | 1,087 | 1,241 |
| Newington, CT | 31,008 | 76 | 2,136 | 2,212 |
| Fitchburg, WI | 30,947 | 275 | 1,341 | 1,616 |
| Banning, CA | 30,945 | 467 | 925 | 1,392 |
| New Bern, NC | 30,984 | 363 | 1,616 | 1,979 |
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