Palo Alto Neighborhood, Durham
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Durham
Is Palo Alto Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Palo Alto in Durham, NC has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Durham average (crime index 85), Palo Alto is 102% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Palo Alto 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
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
186 | +86% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
185 | +85% | High | |
How Palo Alto Compares
Crime index by category: Palo Alto vs Durham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Palo Alto Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Palo Alto Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palo Alto, Durham?
Palo Alto in Durham, NC has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average. Compared to the Durham average, crime in Palo Alto is 102% higher.
Is Palo Alto a safe neighborhood in Durham?
Palo Alto has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107).
How does Palo Alto compare to the rest of Durham?
Palo Alto's overall crime index is 187, compared to the Durham average of 85. This means crime in Palo Alto is 102% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 170, and for property crime it is 146. 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 Palo Alto?
The most prevalent crime type in Palo Alto is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Palo Alto?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Horton Hills, Stadium Heights, Scarsdale Village and Eno Trace. These areas are close to Palo Alto and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Palo Alto?
Palo Alto has a population of approximately 84. The median household income is $33,536. The median home value is $257,075. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Palo Alto crime compare to the national average?
Palo Alto's overall crime rate is 87% above the national average (index 187 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 April 2026.