Raleigh, North Carolina, which has about 482,000 residents, is widely known for its museums, parks, and cultural attractions. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Raleigh essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of eight — with 100 being the safest — 92% of U.S. cities are safer than Raleigh, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Raleigh
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Raleigh is one in 188. Of the 15,374 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 2,572 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By contrast, Fort Wayne, Indiana has some 270,000 residents and a TCI of 13. If you’re there, there’s a one in 369 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of 7,077 total crimes that were tallied, 732 were listed as violent.
Then there is Lincoln, Nebraska, with more than 294,000 residents and a total crime index of nine. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Lincoln are one in 269. Of 9,101 crimes reported over 12 months, 1,094 were in the violent category.
But in Plano, Texas, a city with a population of about 290,000 and a TCI of 23, just 470 of its 5,312 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 617 chance of victimization. In Irvine, a California city with a crime index of 23, your chances of falling victim to violent crime are one in 1,100. Of 5,682 total crimes reported, 286 were violent.
St. Petersburg, Florida, with more than 263,000 residents, is another city close in size to Raleigh. It has a TCI of eight and over a 12-month period, some 1,519 of 8,547 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Raleigh
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Raleigh, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 38 — for a rate of 26.54 per 1,000 residents. There were 15,374 crimes logged over 12 months, 12,802 of which were property crimes, including 1,535 burglaries.
Compare Raleigh’s data with that of Fort Wayne, where you have a one in 43 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 23.50 per 1,000 residents. That city reported 6,345 property crimes over 12 months — 677 of them burglaries. As for Lincoln’s property crime picture, you have a one in 37 chance of victimization. Of all crimes in Star City, 8,007 were in the property category.
Those residing in Plano have a one in 60 chance of being victimized by property crime. Of 4,842 property crimes there, 562 were burglaries. In Irvine, meanwhile, there’s a one in 58 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 17.15 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 5,396 property crimes, 827 were burglaries. Similarly, there’s a one in 38 chance you’ll experience a property crime in St. Petersburg, for a rate of 26.67 per 1,000 residents.
Raleigh’s Police Department
As of early 2025, the Raleigh Police Department had 776 officers with plans to add 50 more annually over the next four years. The department covers 140 square miles across six districts, with each district serving a specific geographic area. The districts are:
- North (headquarters): 6716 Six Forks, 28 square miles
- Northwest: 8016 Glenwood Avenue, 33 square miles
- Northeast: 5230 Greens Dairy Road, 26 square miles
- Southeast: 1601 Cross Link Road, 27 square miles
- Southwest: 601 Hutton Street, 21 square miles
- Downtown: 218 West Cabarrus Street, 5 square miles
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Raleigh area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are higher overall in Raleigh. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
