Orange County Crime & Safety

Orange County, North Carolina

Safety Score

43/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1298.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

168.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1129.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

43/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#24

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Orange County, North Carolina

Orange County: A National Leader in Safety

Orange County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of 1298.0 per 100K compared to the national 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.0 places it among the top-tier counties for public safety.

Outpacing North Carolina Safety Averages

The county far exceeds the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. With a total crime rate nearly 40% lower than the state average, it serves as a regional leader in safety.

Orange County Maintains a Quiet Profile

Orange County's violent crime rate of 168.6 is less than half the national average. It maintains a peaceful environment while balancing a major university population and urban centers.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Most reports involve property crimes, which sit at 1129.4 per 100K. Violent crime is a rarity here, occurring at roughly half the rate seen in the state average of 330.7.

Proactive Security in a Safe County

Residents can leverage the county's safety by practicing basic home security and package theft prevention. Even in safe areas, smart tech like doorbell cameras helps maintain these high community standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Orange County, NC?

Orange County has a total crime rate of 1298.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (168.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1129.4 per 100K).

Is Orange County, NC safe?

Orange County has a safety score of 43/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #24 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county far exceeds the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. With a total crime rate nearly 40% lower than the state average, it serves as a regional leader in safety.

What types of crime are most common in Orange County?

Most reports involve property crimes, which sit at 1129.4 per 100K. Violent crime is a rarity here, occurring at roughly half the rate seen in the state average of 330.7.

How is crime data measured and reported for Orange County?

Crime data for Orange 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.

Why is Orange County safer than the North Carolina average?

Orange County has a safety score of 43/100, which is above the North Carolina average of 32/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.