| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Selma/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 249 | n/a (estimate) | 3,437 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 41.4 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 110.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 65 | n/a | 897.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 76 | n/a (estimate) | 1,049 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 42 | n/a | 579.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 113 | n/a | 1,559.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 18 | n/a | 248.5 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 173 | n/a (estimate) | 2,388 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Selma is 62.2% 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 Selma, there were 76 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1049 per 100,000 individuals, 192.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 173 property crimes, amounting to 2388 per 100,000 residents, 35.7% higher than the U.S. average.
Selma 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 1049 per 100,000 people, Selma is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 96 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Selma, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Selma 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Selma. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 33% of people felt that there was very little crime in Selma and felt safe walking alone at night. While 67% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Selma a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Selma crime rate is 62% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.68 crimes per day - 0.21 violent crimes and 0.47 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Selma has increased by 18% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Selma 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 increased by 105.4%, while property crime has increased by 0.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Selma.
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 Selma crime rates. In Selma, the poverty rate stands at 35.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
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. Selma currently has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 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.
In Selma, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.99 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Selma | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.0 | 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 |
| Pine Level, NC | 2,234 | 0 | 340 | 340 |
| Four Oaks, NC | 2,278 | 152 | 572 | 724 |
| Archer Lodge, NC | 5,192 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Princeton, NC | 1,436 | 164 | 856 | 1,020 |
| Kenly, NC | 2,443 | 200 | 1,044 | 1,244 |
| Mar-Mac, NC | 3,231 | 205 | 1,076 | 1,281 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| Selma, NC | 7,159 | 1,049 | 2,388 | 3,437 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dahlonega, GA | 7,157 | 106 | 545 | 651 |
| Mila Doce, TX | 7,161 | 506 | 2,654 | 3,160 |
| Crete, NE | 7,154 | 201 | 2,532 | 2,733 |
| Eagle, CO | 7,153 | 68 | 476 | 544 |
| Baywood, NY | 7,152 | 281 | 1,272 | 1,552 |
| Selma, NC | 7,159 | 1,049 | 2,388 | 3,437 |
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