Is Fayetteville, NC, a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)

Is Fayetteville, NC, a safe place to live? Here is what you should know about Fayetteville crime statistics, the safest neighborhoods in Fayetteville, and other tips on how to stay safe in Fayetteville. 

Fayetteville is a smaller city known for its historic downtown and multiple military bases due to its proximity to Fort Liberty. According to statistics, it is the sixth-largest city in North Carolina, with a total population of 209,749.

Fayetteville is a great place to live because of all the great things it has to offer its residents, such as a diverse population, low cost of living, affordable properties, and rich history. With so many fun things to do, this city is also a great place for families with many excellent educational systems.

Safety should be a top priority when considering moving to a new location. It's important to research the crime rate and assess the overall safety of the area. Every city has safe and unsafe neighborhoods, so thoroughly understanding the area and finding the right location is crucial when searching for homes for sale. 

If you're considering moving to Fayetteville, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local crime statistics, identify the safest areas, and learn tips for staying safe. Additionally, knowing about available resources is beneficial in case you need assistance.

Keep reading to learn more about how safe Fayetteville, NC, is.

1. City of Fayetteville Crime Statistics

Unlike Raleigh's crime rate, Fayetteville's crime rate is higher than the national average. Cumberland County's crime rate is more than 150% higher than the statewide rate and is considered to be safer than 4% of U.S. cities.

Fayetteville has one of the highest crime rates in America. With 45 crimes per thousand residents, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is 1 in 22. According to NeighborhoodScout, Fayetteville is one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.

	Violent	Property	Total
Number of Crimes	2,048	7,277	9,325
Crime rate (per 1,000 residents)	9.81	34.84	44.64

Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

Below is a chart showing each crime. All crime rates are shown as the number of crimes per 1,000 Fayetteville residents in a standard year. 

Violent Crimes

Assault	3.300
Robbery	1.312
Rape	0.2612
Murder	0.0580
Total Violent Crime	4.931 (D)

Property Crimes

Theft	21.07
Vehicle Theft	7.224
Burglary	7.805
Arson	0.0752
Total Property Crime	36.18 (D)

Other Crimes

Kidnapping	0.0899
Drug Crimes	1.880
Vandalism	6.888
Total "Other" Rate	9.670 (D+)

2. Safe Neighborhoods in Fayetteville

If you're ready to make a move to Fayetteville and find your dream home in a neighborhood that perfectly matches your lifestyle, you're in the right place. Fayetteville offers a wide range of safe communities and welcoming neighborhoods, making it easy to discover the ideal home for you, whether it's a lovely single-family home or a brand-new construction property.

Westover

Westover is the perfect choice for veterans and those on active duty, as it is located just west of Fort Bragg. The neighborhood is undeniably family-friendly and offers a seamless commute to the base. It is an incredibly safe neighborhood and stands out as one of the best areas to live in Fayetteville.

The area's properties range from small to medium-sized single-family homes to apartment complexes. Westover is an exceptional place to raise a family or establish roots. It is considered a highly affordable neighborhood with a median home price of $195,000.

Hope Mills

Hope Mills stands as one of the finest neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC, boasting a reputation as a secure environment for pets, friends, visitors, and families. With a population of approximately 17,824, Hope Mills has earned the distinction of being the second-best suburb to live in within Fayetteville, NC.

This cherished suburb exudes a peaceful atmosphere, predominantly attracting families and young professionals who are homeowners. The median home price is about $310K as of June 2024, which is trending up by 1.8%. The community remains tightly knit, with military families being a common presence as neighbors.

Arran Lakes West

Arran Lakes West stands out as one of the prime neighborhoods in Fayetteville, boasting a population of approximately 1,008 residents. Despite its small size, this neighborhood is renowned for its proximity to Arran Hills and Winter Park, as well as its diverse range of shops and activities.

Arran Lakes West is also home to Anderson Creek Club, a prestigious gated community featuring new homes and a championship golf course. As of June 2024, homes in this neighborhood were priced at $245K, offering an exceptional living experience.

Arran Hills

Arran Hills stands out as one of the best places to live in Fayetteville. It offers sought-after amenities and a strong sense of community. Ranch-style homes in Arran Hills are highly affordable and cater to a wide range of residents.

This established neighborhood, located off Bingham Dr, boasts close proximity to shopping centers, churches, and grocery stores, as well as being just minutes away from Fort Bragg, with a median list price between $200K and $300K.

3. Utilize Resources Available in Fayetteville

The Fayetteville Police Department is dedicated to improving the quality of life by creating a safe and secure environment for the citizens it serves. It will always act with integrity to reduce crime, create partnerships, and build trust with everyone. 

Fayetteville/Cumberland County has county Crimestoppers who coordinate with law enforcement to provide information on criminal activity. They use crime mapping and community watch groups to stay updated on crime and provide safety resources.

Check out the Fayetteville Police community resource guide for important numbers and addresses. The DPS website also provides a wealth of safety tips for personal safety, theft, fraud, and abuse. These resources can help you stay safe and contribute to the safety of others in the community.

• North Carolina Victim Advocate Network
• North Carolina Missing Persons
• North Carolina Crime Statistics
• VictimLaw.Info
• United States Bureau of Justice

And many others. Your town has many resources available for you. Knowing you are safe and looked after is essential. Use the resources and help available to you if you need it; do not hesitate to ask. 

Call 911 for emergencies; for non-emergencies, call (910) 433-1529; and if you want to make an anonymous tip, call (910) 483-TIPS (8477).

4. How to Stay Safe in Fayetteville

Understanding how to stay safe in your community, regardless of your location, is crucial. This city, being popular and prominent, has a significant police presence to assist in emergencies.

By taking simple steps, you can ensure your safety. It's important to remember that crime prevention is essential for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crimes.

The following are some tips from the NCDPS on how to protect yourself. 

• Stay Alert: Always be conscious of what or who is around you. 
• Be Confident: Do not let out vulnerability and avoid being alone and feeling lost. 
• Look People Directly in their eyes: This is a simple self-defense move to help yourself in public
• Know the Neighborhood: Be cautious of strangers as always, use well-traveled routes, and do not take shortcuts. 
• Do not Walk Alone: Walk with people around you even if you feel like you are in a well-traveled area
• Be Prepared: Wear comfortable clothing when you are walking and always have a plan for if something does happen

If you are attacked:

• Do not Panic: Take control of yourself and the situation
• Do not Resist: Give up any property that is not worth your life
• Distract: Try to distract or confusion them, such as by screaming or running
• If there is a weapon... remain calm, be cooperative and negotiate

5. Priotze Home Safety

• Answer doors and phones so a potential burglar will know your home is occupied
• Never tell a caller you are alone
• Ensure your home's security with a home security system while you're away.
• Always look through the peephole, window, or doorbell camera to see who is outside before opening the door
• Verify a repairment with their dispatchers before letting them inside
• If someone you do not know asks to make an emergency call on your phone, do not let them in; make the call for them. 
• If you think forced entry has been made, do not go inside; go somewhere safe and get help. 
• Be cautious of public areas and lots. Make sure it is a well-lit area and use these areas with accompanies
• Never give out information about yourself or where you live to a stranger
• If you ever need help in your neighborhood, yell "Fire" instead of "Help," as it is more likely to get the attention of bystanders.

Ensuring home safety is crucial for feeling secure in your residence. Many neighborhoods in Fayetteville have established safety protocols. If not, follow these recommendations from DPS Services to keep yourself and your family safe at all times.

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to determine if Fayetteville is a safe place to live and the crime rates. There were various data to use, so we put them together to guide you on what you should know about living in Fayetteville and its safety. 

• NeighborhoodScout
• Crime Grade
• NCDPS
• Fayetteville, NC, Police Department
• AreaVibes

The sources listed above are a few of the ones we used to gather most of our information about Fayetteville and the city's safety. 

FAQS

Where does Fayetteville, NC, rank in crime?

Unfortunately, Fayetteville, NC, has one of the highest crime rates in America. The sky-high rates of larceny are ranked the 8th highest in the U.S., while burglary is ranked 6th, and property crimes are ranked 5th. 

Is Fayetteville an excellent place to live in North Carolina?

Fayetteville is a great place to settle down because of the many things it has to offer its residents, such as a diverse community, low cost of living, and affordable prices. Unfortunately, it also has some of the highest crime rates. 

Why are people moving to Fayetteville?

People are relocating to Fayetteville because the cost of living is affordable, the community is welcoming, and the natural scenery is beautiful. Many people look for different things when moving, and many choose Fayetteville for these reasons. 

Is Fayetteville, NC, a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics) - The Bottom Line

Overall, Fayetteville is rated a D, which means its crime rate is higher than the average city in the United States. Fayetteville is in the 19th percentile for safety, meaning that 81% of cities are safer, and 19% are more dangerous. 

Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Fayetteville may be higher in the eastern neighborhoods and lower in the southwest part of the city. Understanding where an area is safer is essential when you are looking into moving somewhere. 

Keep in mind that every place has crime, and in specific areas, there tend to be higher crime rates. AreaVibes has asked locals whether or not they felt safe, and 23% of residents felt like there was little crime in Fayetteville, while 77% of people felt like they did not feel safe. 

When relocating, it's crucial to consider the local area and how it aligns with your needs. Unfortunately, with an average of 45 crimes per thousand residents, the likelihood of experiencing either violent or property crime in Fayetteville is 1 in 22, indicating that it may not be a very safe place to live.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.