| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sunset Beach/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 1,073 | 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 | 5 | n/a | 107.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 107 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 193.1 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 36 | n/a | 772.5 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 966 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Sunset Beach crime rate is lower than the national average by 49.4%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes in Sunset Beach, equivalent to 107 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 70.1%. Furthermore, Sunset Beach recorded 45 property crimes, amounting to 966 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 45.1%.
With only 107 incidents per 100,000 people, Sunset Beach boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Sunset Beach has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Sunset Beach experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Sunset Beach stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sunset Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 71% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sunset Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 29% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Sunset Beach 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. Sunset Beach has a total crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.14 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.12 daily property crimes) in Sunset Beach.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Sunset Beach, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Sunset Beach, the cost of living is 9.72% higher than the national average.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Sunset Beach stands at $458,506, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Sunset Beach | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 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 |
| Carolina Shores, NC | 4,539 | 155 | 812 | 967 |
| Briarcliffe Acres, SC | 540 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Calabash, NC | 2,115 | 168 | 878 | 1,045 |
| Little River, SC | 9,987 | 268 | 1,206 | 1,474 |
| Holden Beach, NC | 1,011 | 106 | 1,481 | 1,587 |
| Ocean Isle Beach, NC | 760 | 98 | 3,042 | 3,140 |
| North Myrtle Beach, SC | 17,032 | 361 | 3,223 | 3,583 |
| Sunset Beach, NC | 4,096 | 107 | 966 | 1,073 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mills, WY | 4,096 | 65 | 628 | 693 |
| Balm, FL | 4,098 | 103 | 547 | 650 |
| North Alamo, TX | 4,094 | 286 | 1,499 | 1,784 |
| Fort Gibson, OK | 4,098 | 261 | 990 | 1,251 |
| Bethlehem, NC | 4,098 | 80 | 420 | 500 |
| Sunset Beach, NC | 4,096 | 107 | 966 | 1,073 |
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