Lake Forest Neighborhood, Chapel Hill
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Summary: Lake Forest, Chapel Hill Crime Rate (2026)
Lake Forest in Chapel Hill, NC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 90, which is 10% below the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 5, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Chapel Hill
Is Lake Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Lake Forest in Chapel Hill, NC has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 90, which is 10% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chapel Hill average (crime index 89), Lake Forest is 1% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 126, 26% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 48). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Lake Forest 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
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Lake Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Lake Forest vs Chapel Hill average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lake Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lake Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lake Forest, Chapel Hill?
Lake Forest in Chapel Hill, NC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 90, which is 10% below the national average. Compared to the Chapel Hill average, crime in Lake Forest is 1% higher.
Is Lake Forest a safe neighborhood in Chapel Hill?
Lake Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chapel Hill, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 126), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 48).
How does Lake Forest compare to the rest of Chapel Hill?
Lake Forest's overall crime index is 90, compared to the Chapel Hill average of 89. This means crime in Lake Forest is 1% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 81, and for property crime it is 113. 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 Lake Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Lake Forest is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 126 (26% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Lake Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include UNC North, Fraternity Row, Old Country Club - UNC and UNC Central Campus. These areas are close to Lake Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lake Forest?
Lake Forest has a population of approximately 1,602. The median household income is $100,385. The median home value is $838,116. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lake Forest crime compare to the national average?
Lake Forest's overall crime rate is 10% below the national average (index 90 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.