| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Roanoke Rapids/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 801 | n/a (estimate) | 5,331 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.7 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 86.5 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 28 | n/a | 186.4 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 459.2 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 111 | n/a (estimate) | 739 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 161 | n/a | 1,071.6 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 480 | n/a | 3,194.7 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 326.1 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 690 | n/a (estimate) | 4,592 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
The Roanoke Rapids crime rates are 129.4% 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 111 violent crimes in Roanoke Rapids (739 per 100,000 people), which is 99.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 690 property crimes (4592 per 100,000 residents) which is 135% higher than average.
Roanoke Rapids has a crime rate of 5331 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 129.37%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Roanoke Rapids. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Roanoke Rapids ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 739 per 100,000 people, Roanoke Rapids is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 136 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Roanoke Rapids, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
With a property crime rate of 4592 crimes per 100,000 people, Roanoke Rapids unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Roanoke Rapids is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Roanoke Rapids residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 27 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 11% of Roanoke Rapids 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, 89% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Roanoke Rapids 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. Roanoke Rapids has a total crime rate that is 129% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.19 daily crimes (0.3 violent daily crimes and 1.89 daily property crimes) in Roanoke Rapids.
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 increased by 20.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 2.6%, while property crime has increased by 25%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Roanoke Rapids.
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 Roanoke Rapids, 75% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Roanoke Rapids, the cost of living is 12.92% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Roanoke Rapids has a median home price of $107,400, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| 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 | 1,290 | 212 | 1,082 | 1,294 |
| South Rosemary, NC | 2,831 | 231 | 1,177 | 1,408 |
| Gasburg, VA | 508 | 195 | 1,411 | 1,606 |
| Littleton, NC | 520 | 468 | 2,385 | 2,854 |
| Halifax, NC | 240 | 490 | 2,496 | 2,986 |
| Jackson, NC | 708 | 495 | 2,523 | 3,019 |
| Seaboard, NC | 743 | 571 | 2,912 | 3,483 |
| Roanoke Rapids, NC | 14,562 | 739 | 4,592 | 5,331 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Saraland, AL | 14,561 | 140 | 1,938 | 2,078 |
| Pewaukee, WI | 14,561 | 122 | 568 | 690 |
| Thibodaux, LA | 14,565 | 468 | 3,007 | 3,475 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 14,566 | 356 | 2,155 | 2,511 |
| Gantt, SC | 14,556 | 595 | 2,795 | 3,389 |
| Roanoke Rapids, NC | 14,562 | 739 | 4,592 | 5,331 |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
10 best cities to buy a new house in North Carolina
See the best places to live in & around Roanoke Rapids
10 Best cities in North Carolina for employment