| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surf City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 106 | n/a (estimate) | 2,070 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 78.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 19.5 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 195.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 293 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 175.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 78 | n/a | 1,523.4 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 78.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 1,777 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Surf City is 2.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes reported in Surf City, equivalent to 293 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 18.4%. Additionally, Surf City recorded 91 property crimes, amounting to 1777 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 1%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Surf City per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Surf City, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the most recently reported crime year, Surf City registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Surf City is very similar to the national average. Surf City had a property crime rate of 1777, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Surf City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 16 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 38% of Surf City 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Surf City 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, Surf City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 2%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.29 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Surf City as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Surf City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Surf City has increased by 23.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 66.7%, while property crimes have increased by 18.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Surf City crime rates. In Surf City, the poverty rate stands at 7.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Surf City, 93% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Surf City stands at $507,657, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Surf City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 9.4 | 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 |
| Hampstead, NC | 7,098 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Ogden, NC | 9,359 | 132 | 691 | 822 |
| Porters Neck, NC | 7,934 | 132 | 691 | 822 |
| Holly Ridge, NC | 2,741 | 54 | 833 | 887 |
| Sneads Ferry, NC | 2,410 | 148 | 775 | 923 |
| Topsail Beach, NC | 482 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| North Topsail Beach, NC | 883 | 0 | 1,468 | 1,468 |
| Surf City, NC | 3,261 | 293 | 1,777 | 2,070 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nyssa, OR | 3,261 | 239 | 1,724 | 1,963 |
| Oak Ridge North, TX | 3,262 | 68 | 2,481 | 2,549 |
| New Baden, IL | 3,260 | 90 | 149 | 239 |
| Marion, AL | 3,260 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rush City, MN | 3,262 | 157 | 980 | 1,137 |
| Surf City, NC | 3,261 | 293 | 1,777 | 2,070 |
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