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Is Durham, NC Safe? (2021 Crime Rates and Crime Stats) - Van Life Wanderer
If you are thinking about visiting Durham and have some qualms about the safety of the city, we got you covered.
We are going to deep dive into the statistics, look at some maps, graphs and talk to the residents of the city to give you a better understanding of how safe Durham really is.
Is Durham, North Carolina Safe To Visit?
Statistically speaking, Durham is a safe place to visit. In 2021, Durham had a crime rate of 754.13 per 100,000 people. Durham’s violent crime rate is 1.9x greater than the national average and is comparable to cities like Atlanta, San Antonio and Boston.
Here’s a scale to give you some perspective on Durham’s crime rate:
Durham, North Carolina Crime Stats
Here’s a breakdown of all the crimes in the city for 2020 compared to 2019:
In 2021 Durham reported 2,138 violent crimes and had a violent crime rate of 754.13 per 100,000 people.
Durham’s violent crime rate is 1.8x greater than the state average.
Year over year violent crime has decreased by 11%.
Here’s a graph showing you how violent crime has trended over the last 11 years in Durham:
Here’s a graph showing you the violent crime rates of the most populous cities in North Carolina in 2020. Durham had the 5th highest crime rate among all cities:
*Violent crimes include; homicides, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults and the violent crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the total population; the result is multiplied by 100,000.
Durham’s Murder Rate
In 2021, Durham reported 50 murders and had a murder rate of 17.64 per 100,000 people.
Year over year murder has increased by 31%
Durham’s homicide rate is 11% less than the national average and 2.7x greater than the state average.
Durham has a similar homicide rate to cities like Toledo and Houston.
Durham’s Property Crime Rate
In 2021 Durham reported 9,495 property crimes and had a property crime rate of 3,349.14 per 100,000 people.
Durham’s property crime rate is 1.7x greater the national average.
Year over year property crime in Durham has decreased by 9%.
*Property crimes include; burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson and property crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the total population; the result is multiplied by 100,000.
Durham, North Carolina vs The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
Here’s a list of the top 19 most dangerous cities in the United States ranked by violent crime rates. Durham’s violent crime rate is 3x less than Memphis, the most dangerous city on the list.
Is Downtown Durham safe?
Downtown Durham is generally a safe area to visit and while Durham has its bad spots, the downtown area is not one of them.
Many residents also mention that they feel very safe in the downtown area, however they would avoid walking far distances late at night.
It should also be noted that the areas immediately south of downtown (South Alston) and east of downtown should be avoided.
Is the public transportation in Durham safe?
The public transportation system in Durham is handled by GoDurham and it offers many routes that interweave throughout the entire city. The GoDurham is generally safe to use during the commuting hours (7am – 7pm), however we do not recommend that you use GoDurham late at night.
If you plan on using the public transportation in Durham, download the TransLoc app. It will show you the exact location of your bus and the estimated arrival time.
Is Durham safe from hurricanes?
Durham is susceptible to hurricanes, but is not affected as badly as cities on the coast. Hurricanes usually lose strength as they travel further inland.
The last major hurricane to hit Durham was Hurricane Florence in 2018. Initally a category 4 hurricane, it weakened to a category 1 by the time it landed in North Carolina
Durham endured significant rainfall and experienced a sustained wind speed of 26 mph with gusts as strong as 41 mph, which resulted in flooding in certain parts of the city.
Hurricane season in Durham officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The peak of hurricane season is mid-August to mid-October.
It should be noted that hurricane season does not mean a hurricanes will occur. They are still rare events and it just means that it is highly unusual for any hurricane to occur OUTSIDE of hurricane season.
Is it safe to visit Durham during hurricane season?
It is safe to visit Durham during hurricane season, as long as you don’t visit when a hurricane is about to hit! Fortunately there is usually adequate warning when a hurricane is brewing in the area.
What do residents of Durham say about it’s safety?
"I have lived in Durham for over 10 years and for the most part I feel safe here and I love it here."
"Most of the serious crimes in Durham occur in the southeast part including Alston ave and Fayetteville st south of I85."
"The vast majority of Durham is completely safe. The only areas I would avoid are the neighborhoods east of downtown, and south of downtown specifically off south Alston ave."
"East Durham is probably the roughest part of town and should be avoided."
"Avoid south Alston ave, Fayetteville Street and north Roxboro Rd. Those are the sketchiest areas."
"Directly East and South of downtown are the only bad areas."
"Don’t go too far east. It will get you into some areas that might make some people uncomfortable."
Is Durham safe at night?
Durham is generally safe at night as long as you avoid the problem areas. Be aware that streets and squares that are perfectly safe to visit in the daytime can be questionable and sketchy at night.
At night we recommend that you take a few extra precautions by staying in well populated places, not straying off the beaten path and not walking by yourself.
Tips to stay safe while visiting Durham, North Carolina
Research the city before you arrive. Make note of the rougher parts of the city and avoid going to those places at night.
Always pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t mindlessly scroll through your phone while walking. Keep scanning the area for potential dangers.
Don’t stop for “excuse me kind sir” or anything. Keep walking. If you have ever lived in a big city you know what I’m talking about.
Do not leave anything valuable in your car.
Don’t walk by yourself at night if you can’t help it.
Facts about Durham, NC
The population of Durham in 2020 was 283,506 and is the 75th most populous city in the United States.
The city covers a land area of 112 square miles.
The racial makeup of the city: 13.8% Hispanic or Latino, 39.5% White, 38.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 5.4% Asian, and 3.2% from two or more races.
The median age in the city is 32.1 years old.
The median income for a household in the city was $58,905. The per capita income for the city was $34,329.
15.9% of the population live below the poverty line.
The median home value in Durham is $370,805 in 2022.
In 2022, the average rent for a Durham 2-bedroom apartment is $1,485.
88.1% of residents 25 and older is a high school graduate. 49.6% of residents 25 and older has a bachelors degree or higher.
Historically, Durham voters have tended to elect Democrats in elections and has voted for the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in every election since the city’s inception in 1869.
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