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Is Chapel Hill, NC, a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)
Is Chapel Hill, NC, a safe place to live? Let's discuss Chapel Hill's crime statistics, the safe neighborhoods in Chapel Hill, and the best ways to stay safe.
If you consider moving to Chapel Hill, NC, you will quickly discover why people love living here. As one of the best places to live in NC, Chapel Hill is more than just a town.
Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, this college town is full of life, education, jobs, and sports. With a population of 62,043, it is home to students, young professionals, families, and retirees.
In addition to being home to one of the best universities in the state, Chapel Hill has an abundance of museums, shops, restaurants, historical sites, bars, parks, prime real estate, and a low crime rate. You will never get bored living in Chapel Hill.
Crime is one of the most important things you should consider before moving to a new location. Luckily, North Carolina is known as a safe state, and no matter your age, safety should be a top priority.
Since we understand the importance of finding a safe home, let's look further into Chapel Hill's safety and the safest neighborhoods in Chapel Hill to make sure you and your family are happy and safe in your new home.
Here is what you need to know about safety in Chapel Hill
1. Understanding Chapel Hill's Crime Statistics
Chapel Hill is considered to be a relatively safe place to live with a crime rate that requires careful analysis. Of course, no city is completely free of crime, but Chapel Hill offers lower-than-average crime rates for almost every offense.
According to recent trends, the city has experienced both challenges and positive trends in public safety. The city ranks 9th for safety among North Carolina cities, indicating it maintains a relatively secure environment compared to other cities in the state.
Chapel Hill's violent crime rate is significantly below the national average, which is encouraging for residents concerned about personal safety. However, property crimes occur at a slightly higher rate than the national average.
This high level of property crime is not uncommon in college towns where bike theft, burglary, and other property-related incidents can be more frequent due to the large student population. As the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this is not surprising.
| Violent | Property | Total | |
| Number of Crimes | 130 | 1,998 | 2,128 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.10 | 32.20 | 34.30 |
*Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
Your chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Chapel Hill is one in 31 which is higher than the North Carolina chance of one in 48. On the otherhand, your chance of becoming a victim of violent cime in Chapel Hill is one in 477.
Let's take a closer at number of specific crimes in Chapel Hill:
| Offenses | # of Crimes |
| Theft | 1,485 |
| Burglary | 222 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 291 |
| Murder | 2 |
| Assault | 85 |
| Robbery | 29 |
2. Safe Neighborhoods in Chapel Hill
The overall crime rate is low in Chapel Hill. However, some areas are safer than others. Note that the safety levels will vary depending on where you are are in the area. Each neighborhood has its pros and cons, and there are more than enough amazing neighborhoods in Chapel Hill.
Location matters significantly when it comes to personal safety in Chapel Hill. Our research identifies several neighborhoods that consistently show lower crime rates and higher resident satisfaction with safety.
Governors Club
Governors Club in Chapel Hill is one of the most notable and luxurious neighborhoods in the area, as a nationally recognized private club community boasting an award-winning 27 hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and member-owned country club.
As the Triangle's only gated golf community and private club, this neighborhood is undoubtedly one of the most safe in Chapel Hill. The upscale neighborhood is home to newly constructed homes, a quiet community, and many amenities.
Briar Chapel
Voted "Best Neighborhood in Chapel Hill" for multiple years in a row, the homes in Brier Chapel are well-built. This tight-knit community is perfect for families and retirees who value a quiet environment.
At the Briar Chapel Clubhouse, residents can enjoy the water park, fitness center, indoor space, outdoor cabana, playground, and event lawn. Briar Chapel is also in a prime location near RTP, UNC, Duke, RDU, and Jordan Lake.
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The Oaks
The Oaks is a popular neighborhood that offers an excellent balance of accessibility and privacy. With a median list price of over $2 million, the area maintains lower crime rates due to its established residential character and community engagement.
Winmore
One of the most sought-after communities in Chapel Hill is the Winmore neighborhood. As a community-focused neighborhood, you will find many public green spaces, interconnected streets, and commercial opportunities.
With approximately 96 single-family homes, Winmore stands out as one of Chapel Hill's safest residential areas. The community is designed for walkability, and residents report feeling secure walking throughout the neighborhood at various times of day.
3. Top Safety Tips for Chapel Hill Residents
No matter where you live, it is essential to understand the resources and tools you have access to in order to stay safe. As a college town, police presence is high in Chapel Hill, especially around certain times throughout the year and in certain areas.
Ideally, you are never walking alone and are always aware of your surroundings, but on the chance this isn't the case, make sure to follow these simple steps to stay safe in Chapel Hill.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
No matter where you are or who you are with, you should always be aware of what is going on around you. The element of surprise is one of the most effective tools a criminal has, but you can take that away.
Awareness of your surroundings is more than just looking around; make sure to stay away from dark roads, walk alone in shadowed areas, and cross a busy intersection before looking.
Luckily, Chapel Hill prioritizes safety and has increased lighting for walkways, parking lots, and more popular areas.
Secure Parking Strategies
Avoid parking in isolated decks or areas you'll need to return to after dark. Choose well-lit, frequently trafficked parking areas.
Given the college town environment, invest in high-quality locks and consider registering your bike with local authorities.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night
If, for any reason, you can't avoid walking through town by yourself at night, consider taking advantage of one of Chapel Hill's late-night transit options.
On campus, the school offers the UNC Point-to-Point (P2P) which is a fare-free, on-demand, and fixed-route transit service. This can be tracked with the TransLoc Rider app or the TransLoc website.
The town of Chapel Hill offers the E.Z. Rider Service, which is a demand-response, shared-ride service. Check the hours before relying on the E.Z. transit service. Also, take advantage of the My Chapel Hill Transit for a safe and reliable ride around town.
Prioritize Home Safety
Home safety should be one of your top priorities, no matter who you live with or where you live. Luckily, Chapel Hill has many apartment complexes that are relatively safer than stand-alone homes.
Nevertheless, ensure you always lock your doors and keep your keys in your hand before you reach to unlock the door. In addition, if you see anything out of place, always trust your instincts because it is much better to be safe than sorry.
If you do live in an apartment complex or residence hall, don't hold the door for anyone you don't know. The outside doors should remain locked at all times to ensure the safety of the residents in the building.
Neighborhood Engagement
Participate in neighborhood watch programs and get to know your neighbors. Community awareness is one of the most effective crime deterrents.
Community Resources
UNC-Chapel Hill campus covers nearly 730 acres of city space, and the campus is integrated into the city. In order to keep students and city citizens safe, UNC Police have Blue Call Boxes around campus.
The boxes are part of a large telephone system that gives the University Police your exact location in case of an emergency or to report a crime.
There are over 100 police officers in Chapel Hill to keep citizens safe. Police presence increases during large events to aid traffic, crowd, and control. If you feel unsafe in any way, don't hesitate to call 911.
Familiarize yourself with local law enforcement contact information and community policing initiatives. Use online crime mapping tools to stay informed about incidents in your specific neighborhood.
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Methodology
Data was sourced from NeighborhoodScout and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine if Chapel Hill, NC is a safe place to live.
FAQ: Is Chapel Hill, NC, Safe?
Here are some commonly asked questions about how safe it is to live in Chapel Hill, NC.
Is Chapel Hill, NC, a good place to live?
Chapel Hill, NC, is one of the best places to live in N.C., and it offers small-town living with a city feel. It is home to one of the best universities in the state, affordable real estate, many delicious restaurants, and job opportunities.
Is Chapel Hill a wealthy area?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,825. This is over $5,000 higher than the national median household income of $80,610.
Why is UNC-Chapel Hill so popular?
Chapel Hill was the first public university in the country in 1795. Now, it is known for its excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. UNC-Chapel Hill is also widely known for its sports team and sense of school pride.
What city in N.C. has the least crime?
In 2025, Apex is known as the safest city in North Carolina, with a crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents.
Is NC or S.C. safer to live in?
When comparing NC and SC, North Carolina is known to be safer to live in than South Carolina and reports lower crime rates.
What are the pros and cons of living in Chapel Hill?
Pros
- Abundant things to do
- Highly-rated restaurants
- Strong economy
- Plenty of job opportunities
- Excellent education
- Strong Housing Market
- Family-oriented way of life
Cons
- High housing prices
- High humidity
- Large amounts of pollen in the springtime
Chapel Hill, NC Safety - The Bottom Line
Overall, Chapel Hill, NC, is safe and is a great place to move to in North Carolina. The city makes extensive efforts to ensure the safety of all its residents.
You can spend that extra time you would have spent worrying about safety and use it to go catch a UNC basketball game or stroll down the famous Franklin Street.
The key to safety in any community is awareness, preparation, and engagement. By choosing the right neighborhood, implementing appropriate security measures, and staying connected with your community, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy all that Chapel Hill has to offer.
At Raleigh Realty, we can help you find a home in an area that matches your safety preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget. Contact us today to schedule a tour of Chapel Hill's safest neighborhoods and discover why so many people choose to call this vibrant community home.
Whether you're drawn by the excellent schools, cultural amenities, or research triangle opportunities, we're here to help you make a safe and informed decision about your next home in Chapel Hill.
