Durham, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Durham, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 205 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime. Durham has higher crime than 82% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Durham has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 83% of the city's 161 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Oakhaven is one of the safest areas, while Edgemont has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Durham is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Durham are Oakhaven, Greymoss, Willow Hill, Willow Haven, and Fairfield. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Durham include Edgemont, Golden Belt, Cleveland-Holloway, West End, and Crest Street. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Durham is 488.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 205 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.6 per 100K (31% above average); aggravated assault at 342.2 per 100K (28% above average); robbery at 101.0 per 100K (37% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Durham is 2,821.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 54% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 35 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 344.2 per 100K (28% above average); larceny/theft at 2,041.6 per 100K (46% above average); vehicle theft at 435.5 per 100K (37% above average).

Durham's overall crime rate is 29% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (46% above average), while rape is 15% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Durham has higher crime than 82% of them.

Visitors to Durham should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 54% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Oakhaven, Greymoss, Willow Hill.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Durham's crime rate is 29% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Durham, with an estimated rate of 2,041.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 46% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,821 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (488 per 100K) in Durham, which is consistent with national trends.