| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Southern Shores/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 1,143 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 31.7 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 32 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 539.7 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 17 | n/a | 539.7 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 31.7 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 1,111 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

The Southern Shores crime rates are 46.1% lower 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 1 violent crimes in Southern Shores (32 per 100,000 people), which is 91.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 35 property crimes (1111 per 100,000 residents) which is 36.9% lower than average.
Southern Shores stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 32 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Southern Shores secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Southern Shores showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Southern Shores, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Southern Shores presents a total crime rate that is 46% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Southern Shores experiences an average of 0.1 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0.1 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Southern Shores has increased by 125% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Southern Shores 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 didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 133.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Southern Shores.
In Southern Shores, the poverty rate currently stands at 4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Southern Shores crime rates.
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 Southern Shores, the cost of living is 45.42% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Southern Shores is $876,447, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Southern Shores | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.3 | 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 |
| Duck, NC | 600 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Kill Devil Hills, NC | 7,416 | 217 | 1,497 | 1,714 |
| Kitty Hawk, NC | 3,618 | 242 | 1,642 | 1,885 |
| Nags Head, NC | 3,050 | 256 | 3,419 | 3,674 |
| Southern Shores, NC | 3,012 | 32 | 1,111 | 1,143 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dresden, TN | 3,012 | 136 | 852 | 988 |
| Gambrills, MD | 3,011 | 94 | 457 | 550 |
| East Greenville, PA | 3,013 | 63 | 602 | 666 |
| Collins, MS | 3,011 | 110 | 716 | 826 |
| Waterford, CT | 3,011 | 25 | 1,677 | 1,702 |
| Southern Shores, NC | 3,012 | 32 | 1,111 | 1,143 |