Raleigh, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Raleigh, NC has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 10% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 253 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Raleigh has higher crime than 73% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Raleigh has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 79% of the city's 19 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Glenwood is one of the safest areas, while Central Raleigh has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Raleigh is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh are Glenwood, Wakefield Plantation, Five Points, Wade, and Midtown Raleigh. 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 Raleigh include Central Raleigh, North Central Raleigh, South Central Raleigh, East Raleigh, and Southwest Raleigh. 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 Raleigh is 395.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 4% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 253 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.7 per 100K (14% above average); aggravated assault at 286.4 per 100K (7% above average); robbery at 75.0 per 100K (2% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Raleigh is 2,395.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 31% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 296.7 per 100K (10% above average); larceny/theft at 1,734.4 per 100K (24% above average); vehicle theft at 364.1 per 100K (14% above average).

Raleigh's overall crime rate is 10% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (24% above average), while rape is 16% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Raleigh has higher crime than 73% of them.

Visitors to Raleigh should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 31% 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 Glenwood, Wakefield Plantation, Five Points.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Raleigh's crime rate is 10% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Raleigh, with an estimated rate of 1,734.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 24% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,395 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (395 per 100K) in Raleigh, which is consistent with national trends.