Washington County Crime & Safety

Washington County, North Carolina

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2008.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

488.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1520.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#63

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Washington County, North Carolina

Washington County Safety Near National Average

Washington County holds a safety score of 96.8, showing a solid level of public security. Its total crime rate of 2,008.8 per 100,000 people is comfortably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This suggests that the county is safer than many other regions across the United States.

Perfectly Aligned with North Carolina Averages

The county's safety score of 96.8 exactly matches the North Carolina state average. Similarly, its total crime rate of 2,008.8 is nearly identical to the statewide average of 2,050.0. Three law enforcement agencies work together to keep the county's safety metrics on par with the rest of the state.

Comparing Safety on the Inner Banks

Washington County's crime rate of 2,008.8 is higher than that of its neighbor, Tyrrell County, which reports a rate of 1,593.4. While Washington is safe by national standards, it experiences more local crime than some of its less populated neighbors. Residents should be aware of these regional variances when assessing their security.

Violent Crime Challenges and Property Success

Property crime in Washington County is low at 1,520.2, well under the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 488.6 exceeds the national benchmark of 369.8. These figures indicate that while homes are relatively safe from theft, personal safety is a higher priority for local police.

Practical Safety Steps for Homeowners

Because property crime is lower than the national average, basic security measures are often very effective here. Ensuring that all entry points are secure and using smart doorbells can prevent opportunistic crimes. Awareness of your surroundings and knowing your neighbors are the best defenses in this community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Washington County, NC?

Washington County has a total crime rate of 2008.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (488.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1520.2 per 100K).

Is Washington County, NC safe?

Washington County has a safety score of 22/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #63 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Washington County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Washington County?

Crime data for Washington 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 Washington County?

Washington County has a safety score of 22/100, 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.