| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wrightsville Beach/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 4,048 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 83.5 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 41.7 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 250.4 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 376 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 667.8 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 71 | n/a | 2,963.3 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 41.7 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 88 | n/a (estimate) | 3,673 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
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 Wrightsville Beach is 74.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Wrightsville Beach, equivalent to 376 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 1.6%. Additionally, Wrightsville Beach recorded 88 property crimes, amounting to 3673 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 87.9%.
With a total of 4048 crimes per 100,000 people, the Wrightsville Beach crime rates stand at 74.19 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Wrightsville Beach, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
The violent crime rate in Wrightsville Beach closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 376 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Wrightsville Beach as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Wrightsville 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.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Wrightsville Beach - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3673 per 100,000 people, Wrightsville Beach has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Wrightsville Beach residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 82% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Wrightsville Beach were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 18% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Wrightsville Beach 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, Wrightsville Beach has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 74%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.27 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Wrightsville Beach as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Wrightsville Beach crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Wrightsville Beach has increased by 7.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 59.1% and property crime has increased by 29.4%.
Wrightsville Beach has a poverty rate of 7.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Wrightsville Beach crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Wrightsville Beach has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wrightsville Beach, 99.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
| Item | Wrightsville Beach | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 26 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 10.2 | 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 |
| Kure Beach, NC | 2,451 | 64 | 324 | 387 |
| Sea Breeze, NC | 1,646 | 97 | 497 | 594 |
| Bayshore, NC | 3,776 | 121 | 619 | 740 |
| Porters Neck, NC | 7,693 | 132 | 671 | 803 |
| Ogden, NC | 9,071 | 138 | 705 | 844 |
| Skippers Corner, NC | 3,250 | 145 | 738 | 883 |
| Belville, NC | 2,696 | 147 | 748 | 895 |
| Wrightsville Beach, NC | 2,541 | 376 | 3,673 | 4,048 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arcola, TX | 2,541 | 487 | 1,062 | 1,549 |
| Green Level, NC | 2,541 | 216 | 1,102 | 1,319 |
| Colwyn, PA | 2,541 | 161 | 850 | 1,010 |
| Piermont, NY | 2,541 | 67 | 270 | 337 |
| North Prairie, WI | 2,542 | 72 | 335 | 407 |
| Wrightsville Beach, NC | 2,541 | 376 | 3,673 | 4,048 |
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