Downtown Chapel Hill Neighborhood, Chapel Hill

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Summary: Downtown Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill Crime Rate (2026)

Downtown Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 51, which is 49% below the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 4, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 51 / 300 High
Violent Crime 125
25% above national avg
Property Crime 124
24% above national avg

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in Chapel Hill

Is Downtown Chapel Hill Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Downtown Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 51, which is 49% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Chapel Hill average (crime index 89), Downtown Chapel Hill is 38% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Chapel Hill as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 53).

Highest Risk
Rape · Index 184 (84% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 53 (47% below avg)

Downtown Chapel Hill Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Chapel Hill city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
94 -6% Average
Assault
53 -47% Low
Robbery
169 +69% High
Rape
184 +84% High
Property Crime
Burglary
75 -25% Low
Larceny / Theft
146 +46% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
150 +50% Moderate

How Downtown Chapel Hill Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown Chapel Hill vs Chapel Hill average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown Chapel Hill Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Downtown Chapel Hill Demographics & Context

Population
1,426
Median Income
$42,912
Home Value
$538,160
Median Age
22
Pop. Density
10,387/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 28.3%
Graduate Degree 30.5%

Housing

18%
82%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 85.8%
Black 5%
Hispanic 3.1%
Asian 5.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Fraternity Row Index: 36
A+
UNC Central Campus Index: 29
A
Old Country Club - UNC Index: 138
A
UNC North Index: 76
A
Mason Farm Area Index: 75
A
University Lake Index: 178
B
Downtown Chapel Hill Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Chapel Hill Crime Statistics
View all Chapel Hill neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill?

Downtown Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 51, which is 49% below the national average. Compared to the Chapel Hill average, crime in Downtown Chapel Hill is 38% lower.

Is Downtown Chapel Hill a safe neighborhood in Chapel Hill?

Downtown Chapel Hill is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chapel Hill, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 184), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 53).

How does Downtown Chapel Hill compare to the rest of Chapel Hill?

Downtown Chapel Hill's overall crime index is 51, compared to the Chapel Hill average of 89. This means crime in Downtown Chapel Hill is 38% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 125, and for property crime it is 124. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Downtown Chapel Hill?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Chapel Hill is Rape, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown Chapel Hill?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fraternity Row, UNC Central Campus, Old Country Club - UNC and UNC North. These areas are close to Downtown Chapel Hill and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown Chapel Hill?

Downtown Chapel Hill has a population of approximately 1,426. The median household income is $42,912. The median home value is $538,160. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown Chapel Hill crime compare to the national average?

Downtown Chapel Hill's overall crime rate is 49% below the national average (index 51 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.