Downtown Durham Neighborhood, Durham

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Durham

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 175 / 300 High
Violent Crime 151
51% above national avg
Property Crime 151
51% above national avg
City Ranking
6%
safer than other
Durham neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Durham

Is Downtown Durham Safe?

Not really — crime is above the national average. Downtown Durham in Durham, NC has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average of 100. Downtown Durham is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Durham.

Compared to the Durham average (crime index 85), Downtown Durham is 90% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 108).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 175 (75% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 108 (8% above avg)

Downtown Durham Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
165 +65% High
Assault
171 +71% High
Robbery
108 +8% Moderate
Rape
160 +60% High
Property Crime
Burglary
125 +25% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
153 +53% High
Vehicle Theft
175 +75% High

How Downtown Durham Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown Durham vs Durham average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown Durham 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 Durham Demographics & Context

Population
1,716
Median Income
$36,029
Home Value
$631,285
Median Age
39
Pop. Density
3,819/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 12.4%
Graduate Degree 19.4%

Housing

17%
83%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 32%
Black 58.8%
Hispanic 11.6%
Asian 1.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Rigsbee Hill Index: 152
B
Central Park Index: 152
B
Morehead Hill Index: 149
B
Warehouse District Index: 154
B-
Cleveland-Holloway Index: 188
D-
Old Five Points Index: 152
B
Southside / St. Teresa Index: 155
C-
Burch Avenue Index: 170
B-
Downtown Durham Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Durham Crime Statistics
View all Durham neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown Durham, Durham?

Downtown Durham in Durham, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average. Compared to the Durham average, crime in Downtown Durham is 90% higher. Downtown Durham is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Durham.

Is Downtown Durham a safe neighborhood in Durham?

Downtown Durham has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 175), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 108).

How does Downtown Durham compare to the rest of Durham?

Downtown Durham's overall crime index is 175, compared to the Durham average of 85. This means crime in Downtown Durham is 90% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 151, and for property crime it is 151. 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 Durham?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Durham is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown Durham?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rigsbee Hill, Central Park, Morehead Hill and Warehouse District. These areas are close to Downtown Durham and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown Durham?

Downtown Durham has a population of approximately 1,716. The median household income is $36,029. The median home value is $631,285. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown Durham crime compare to the national average?

Downtown Durham's overall crime rate is 75% above the national average (index 175 vs 100). Within Durham, it is safer than 6% of neighborhoods. 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 April 2026.