Durham County Crime & Safety

Durham County, North Carolina

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

8661.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

1422.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

7238.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#100

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Durham County, North Carolina

Durham County Faces Significant Safety Hurdles

Durham County reports a total crime rate of 8661.0 per 100K, which is more than triple the national average. This high volume of incidents results in a safety score of 86.3.

Well Below the North Carolina Safety Average

With a safety score of 86.3, Durham falls far short of the state average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate is over four times the state average of 2050.0.

High Crime Density Compared to Neighbors

Durham's crime rates are substantially higher than any other county in this report, including urban centers like Cumberland. The concentration of incidents across nine agencies highlights a major regional safety challenge.

Violent and Property Crimes Are Elevated

Violent crime is nearly four times the national average at 1422.9 per 100K. Property crime is even more frequent at 7238.1, indicating a high risk of theft and burglary for residents.

Maximum Security for Durham Residents

Given the high crime rates, residents should employ comprehensive security measures, including professionally monitored alarms and cameras. Active participation in neighborhood safety initiatives is critical in this high-activity area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Durham County, NC?

Durham County has a total crime rate of 8661.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (1422.9 per 100K) and property crimes (7238.1 per 100K).

Is Durham County, NC safe?

Durham County has a safety score of 1/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #100 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

How does Durham County crime compare to the North Carolina average?

With a safety score of 86.3, Durham falls far short of the state average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate is over four times the state average of 2050.0.

What types of crime are most common in Durham County?

Violent crime is nearly four times the national average at 1422.9 per 100K. Property crime is even more frequent at 7238.1, indicating a high risk of theft and burglary for residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Durham County?

Crime data for Durham County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Durham County?

Durham County has a safety score of 1/100, which is below the North Carolina average of 32/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.