| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Roanoke Rapids/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 620 | n/a (estimate) | 4,277 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.9 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 55.2 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 17 | n/a | 117.3 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 104 | n/a | 717.4 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 130 | n/a (estimate) | 897 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 78 | n/a | 538.0 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 376 | n/a | 2,593.6 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 36 | n/a | 248.3 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 490 | n/a (estimate) | 3,380 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Roanoke Rapids crime rate is 101.8% higher 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 Roanoke Rapids, there were 130 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 897 per 100,000 individuals, 149.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Roanoke Rapids recorded 490 property crimes, amounting to 3380 per 100,000 residents, 92% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4277 per 100,000 residents, Roanoke Rapids has a crime rate that is 101.81% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Roanoke Rapids that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
With a violent crime rate of 897 crimes per 100,000 residents, Roanoke Rapids is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Roanoke Rapids ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 112 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
AreaVibes surveyed 30 local residents in Roanoke Rapids to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 13% of people answered that there was very little crime in Roanoke Rapids and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 87% 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 Roanoke Rapids a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Roanoke Rapids has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 102%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.7 daily incidents, encompassing 0.36 violent crimes and 1.34 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Roanoke Rapids as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Roanoke Rapids. 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 Roanoke Rapids has decreased by 6.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 14%, while property crime has decreased by 11.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Roanoke Rapids.
Roanoke Rapids has a population density of 1505.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Roanoke Rapids crime rates.
In Roanoke Rapids, 75% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Roanoke Rapids, the cost of living is 13.31% lower than the national average.
| Item | Roanoke Rapids | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Gaston, NC | 1,330 | 188 | 982 | 1,170 |
| South Rosemary, NC | 2,927 | 202 | 1,056 | 1,258 |
| Gasburg, VA | 523 | 158 | 1,140 | 1,298 |
| Seaboard, NC | 767 | 440 | 2,304 | 2,744 |
| Weldon, NC | 1,722 | 73 | 2,711 | 2,784 |
| Littleton, NC | 530 | 496 | 2,598 | 3,094 |
| Jackson, NC | 730 | 538 | 2,815 | 3,353 |
| Roanoke Rapids, NC | 14,926 | 897 | 3,380 | 4,277 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Colesville, MD | 14,928 | 188 | 917 | 1,105 |
| Summerfield, MD | 14,929 | 423 | 2,062 | 2,485 |
| North Auburn, CA | 14,919 | 453 | 1,937 | 2,390 |
| Sterling, CO | 14,909 | 398 | 2,921 | 3,319 |
| Glasgow, KY | 14,955 | 169 | 2,109 | 2,277 |
| Roanoke Rapids, NC | 14,926 | 897 | 3,380 | 4,277 |
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