South Central Raleigh Neighborhood, Raleigh

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Raleigh

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 149 / 300 High
Violent Crime 127
27% above national avg
Property Crime 144
44% above national avg
City Ranking
11%
safer than other
Raleigh neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Raleigh

Is South Central Raleigh Safe?

Not really — crime is above the national average. South Central Raleigh in Raleigh, NC has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average of 100. South Central Raleigh is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Raleigh.

Compared to the Raleigh average (crime index 120), South Central Raleigh is 29% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 161, 61% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 79).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 161 (61% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 79 (21% below avg)

South Central Raleigh Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
142 +42% Moderate
Assault
146 +46% Moderate
Robbery
79 -21% Low
Rape
142 +42% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
112 +12% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
160 +60% High
Vehicle Theft
161 +61% High

How South Central Raleigh Compares

Crime index by category: South Central Raleigh vs Raleigh average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Central Raleigh 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

South Central Raleigh Demographics & Context

Population
9,081
Median Income
$28,178
Home Value
$388,644
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
5,636/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 6%
Graduate Degree 3.5%

Housing

27%
73%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 15.1%
Black 73.5%
Hispanic 15.4%
Asian 0.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Central Raleigh Index: 178
D+
North Central Raleigh Index: 183
D+
Mordecai Index: 163
B
East Raleigh Index: 156
C
Hillsborough Index: 81
A
Five Points Index: 118
A
Southwest Raleigh Index: 164
B-
Wade Index: 121
A
South Central Raleigh Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Raleigh Crime Statistics
View all Raleigh neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Central Raleigh, Raleigh?

South Central Raleigh in Raleigh, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average. Compared to the Raleigh average, crime in South Central Raleigh is 29% higher. South Central Raleigh is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Raleigh.

Is South Central Raleigh a safe neighborhood in Raleigh?

South Central Raleigh has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 161), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 79). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Raleigh.

How does South Central Raleigh compare to the rest of Raleigh?

South Central Raleigh's overall crime index is 149, compared to the Raleigh average of 120. This means crime in South Central Raleigh is 29% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 127, and for property crime it is 144. 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 South Central Raleigh?

The most prevalent crime type in South Central Raleigh is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 161 (61% 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 South Central Raleigh?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mordecai, Hillsborough, Five Points and Southwest Raleigh. These areas are close to South Central Raleigh and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Central Raleigh?

South Central Raleigh has a population of approximately 9,081. The median household income is $28,178. The median home value is $388,644. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Central Raleigh crime compare to the national average?

South Central Raleigh's overall crime rate is 49% above the national average (index 149 vs 100). Within Raleigh, it is safer than 11% 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.