Wake County Crime & Safety

Wake County, North Carolina

Safety Score

80/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

467.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

53.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

414.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

80/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Wake County, North Carolina

Wake County Sets National Safety Standard

Wake County achieves an elite safety score of 99.3, making it one of the safest large counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 467.6 per 100,000 people is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance reflects the coordinated efforts of 21 different reporting agencies.

Leading North Carolina in Public Safety

Wake County's safety score of 99.3 far exceeds the North Carolina average of 96.8. While the state average crime rate is 2,050.0, Wake's rate of 467.6 is more than four times lower. This makes the county a standout model for safety within the Research Triangle and the state at large.

Outperforming Regional Peers

Even when compared to safe neighbors like Union County (1,541.0), Wake County's crime rate of 467.6 is notably superior. It maintains lower crime levels than virtually all urban and suburban peers in the region. The county provides a unique combination of high population and exceptionally low crime frequency.

Minimizing Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate in Wake is just 53.1, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at 414.5, far below the national benchmark of 2,015.7. These statistics indicate that residents enjoy a high level of security for both their persons and their possessions.

Staying Safe in a High-Security Area

While Wake County is exceptionally safe, maintaining home security helps preserve this environment. Basic precautions like locking doors and utilizing smart home technology prevent the rare instances of opportunistic crime. Community engagement remains the best way to support the high safety standards residents currently enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Wake County, NC?

Wake County has a total crime rate of 467.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (53.1 per 100K) and property crimes (414.5 per 100K).

Is Wake County, NC safe?

Wake County has a safety score of 80/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #6 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Wake County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Wake County?

Crime data for Wake 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 Wake County safer than the North Carolina average?

Wake County has a safety score of 80/100, 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.