| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Raleigh/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 16,146 | n/a (estimate) | 3,308 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 25 | n/a | 5.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 176 | n/a | 36.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 423 | n/a | 86.7 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,762 | n/a | 361.0 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,386 | n/a (estimate) | 489 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,362 | n/a | 279.0 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10,049 | n/a | 2,058.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,349 | n/a | 481.3 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 13,760 | n/a (estimate) | 2,819 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Raleigh is 56.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Raleigh, there were 2386 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 489 per 100,000 individuals, 36.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 13760 property crimes, amounting to 2819 per 100,000 residents, 60.2% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 2349 vehicle thefts last year, Raleigh has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 481 per 100,000 people. This lands Raleigh in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 208.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Raleigh residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 183 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 67% of Raleigh 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, 33% 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 Raleigh 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, Raleigh has an overall crime rate that is 56% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 44.24 daily occurrences, comprising 6.54 violent crimes and 37.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Raleigh as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Raleigh crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Raleigh has increased by 28.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 6.7% and property crime has increased by 33.7%.
There are more than 18 different neighborhoods in the Raleigh area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Raleigh include Glenwood, Six Forks and Northwest. While Central, East Raleigh and South Central have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.
Raleigh has a poverty rate of 11.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Raleigh currently has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Raleigh, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.04 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.
| Item | Raleigh | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 858 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Rolesville, NC | 8,199 | 34 | 438 | 471 |
| Fuquay-Varina, NC | 29,773 | 70 | 580 | 649 |
| Holly Springs, NC | 37,538 | 162 | 850 | 1,013 |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 173 | 905 | 1,078 |
| Cary, NC | 173,346 | 71 | 1,317 | 1,388 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| Wake Forest, NC | 45,648 | 147 | 1,305 | 1,452 |
| Raleigh, NC | 482,278 | 489 | 2,819 | 3,308 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 481,855 | 716 | 3,449 | 4,164 |
| Long Beach, CA | 480,084 | 676 | 3,479 | 4,155 |
| Miami, FL | 470,437 | 473 | 2,995 | 3,468 |
| Omaha, NE | 494,852 | 369 | 3,162 | 3,531 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 463,341 | 92 | 1,640 | 1,732 |
| Raleigh, NC | 482,278 | 489 | 2,819 | 3,308 |
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