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

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Aug 30, 2025 8 min read
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Is Knightdale, NC, a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)
Chapters
01
City of Knightdale Crime Statistics
02
Safe Neighborhoods in Knightdale
03
How to Stay Safe in Knightdale
04
Priotze Home Safety
05
Utilize Resources Available in Knightdale

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

Is Knightdale, NC, safe? Explore crime statistics, safest neighborhoods, home security tips, and local safety resources in this comprehensive guide for homebuyers. 

If you are considering making Knightdale, North Carolina, your new home, safety is likely one of your top concerns. This growing suburb of Raleigh has attracted thousands of families with its small-town charm, excellent schools, and proximity to the Triangle area's employment opportunities.

Located about 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Knightdale is an ideal place to live for young professionals and families. Offering affordable housing, economic opportunity, and great weather, it is no wonder that Knightdale is ranked #13 in Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Raleigh area. 

But how safe is Knightdale really? Let's dive into the crime statistics, safest neighborhoods, and safety resources to help you make an informed decision.

Keep reading to learn more about how safe it is to live in Knightdale.

1. City of Knightdale Crime Statistics

Knightdale has a crime rate that is lower than the North Carolina average and is considered to be safer than 9% of other cities in the United States. With an overall crime rate of 29.84 per 1,000 residents, Knightdale is a relatively safe place to live. 

The most recent crime analysis reveals several key insights:

Violent Crime Risk: The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Knightdale, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is one in 338. This translates to a relatively low violent crime rate compared to many urban areas.

Property Crime Trends: Property crimes have increased by 23.6% year-over-year, with property crimes being particularly prevalent. Common issues include theft from vehicles, stolen cars, and suspicious activities. The property crime rate in Knightdale is one in 37. 

Cost of Crime: From an economic perspective, the Cost of Crime per resident in Knightdale is $423 per year, which is $42 less than the national average and $115 less than North Carolina's state average.

When surveyed about how safe they feel in their community, 75% of residents say they feel "pretty safe" with some safety concerns but generally feel secure, while 20% report feeling "very safe" with no safety concerns.

Here are the total number of crimes that happen annually in Knightdale: 

Violent Crime  Property Crime  Total Crime 
Number of Crimes  60  545 605
Crime Rate per 1,000 residents  2.96 26.88 29.84

Crime Type  Knightdale  North Carolina 
Violent Crime  one in 338  one in 256
Property Crime  one in 37 one in 48

*Data was sourced from NeighborhoodScout

pretty drive into downtown Raleigh, NC, during dusk

2. Safe Neighborhoods in Knightdale

If you are moving to Knightdale and are ready to find your dream home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, then you are certainly in the right place.

From nice single-family homes to townhomes, Knightdale has plenty of safe communities and welcoming neighborhoods to choose from when conducting your home search.

Suburban neighborhood view with greenery and large single-family homes

Widewaters

Widewaters stands out as one of Knightdale's premier residential communities, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong safety record. This established neighborhood features:

  • Well-lit streets and sidewalks throughout the community
  • Active homeowners association that maintains common areas and enforces community standards
  • Regular neighborhood watch activities coordinated by engaged residents
  • Proximity to quality schools, which often correlates with lower crime rates
  • Newer construction with modern security features in many homes

The community's design promotes natural surveillance with open sight lines and minimal hiding spots, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to raise a family.

Featuring mostly mid-sized homes that are all reasonably priced, this well-established community has grown much since its establishment in 2004. Widewaters has walking trails, a tot lot, and a community swimming pool, meaning there is always something fun to do in the neighborhood throughout the year.

This neighborhood is ideal for families and young professionals with pets and is renowned for its welcoming neighbors and a strong sense of community. The homes for sale in Widewaters have three to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms and range between 1,320 and 3,237 square feet in size.

Villages at Beaver Dam

The Villages at Beaver Dam offers a secure suburban environment with several safety advantages:

  • Controlled access points that limit through traffic
  • Well-maintained common areas that are regularly patrolled
  • Strong community engagement through regular events and communications
  • Modern infrastructure, including adequate lighting and clear signage
  • Close-knit community where neighbors know each other, creating informal security networks

Residents appreciate the community's family-oriented atmosphere and the peace of mind that comes with living in a well-planned development.

This charming Knightdale neighborhood showcases beautiful two-story single-family homes with two-car garages. Each home boasts modern, open floor plans with three to five bedrooms, spacious living rooms, and stunning kitchens, providing residents with a comfortable and stylish living experience.

It is best known as a quieter neighborhood because it is well-established. Residents love this community because it is safe and just minutes away from popular amenities, parks, local shops, and restaurants.

Langston Ridge

Langston Ridge has built a reputation as one of Knightdale's safest residential areas through:

  • Strategic community planning that incorporates Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
  • Active neighborhood association that coordinates with local law enforcement
  • Regular community meetings focused on safety awareness and crime prevention
  • Well-established communication networks among residents through social media groups and newsletters
  • Proximity to emergency services with quick response times

The neighborhood's commitment to safety is evident in its low incident rates and high resident satisfaction scores regarding personal security.

Langston Ridge is a lovely community with newly built residential homes. It is well-known for its close-knit community feel. Residents can enjoy gatherings at the neighborhood clubhouse, take a dip in the outdoor community pool, and go for strolls on the many sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.

Most homes for sale in Langston Ridge feature basements, hardwood flooring, first-floor crown molding, stainless steel appliances, 30-year architectural shingles, and a low-maintenance vinyl exterior.  

3. How to Stay Safe in Knightdale

Understanding how to stay safe in your community, no matter where you live, is important. This area, being a popular and prominent city, has a high police presence to assist in emergencies.

You can take simple steps to ensure your safety. Remember, crime prevention is essential to lowering your risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crimes.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert when walking, especially during evening hours. Knightdale's suburban layout means some areas may have less foot traffic after dark.

Secure Your Vehicle: Given the prevalence of vehicle-related crimes, always lock your car doors, avoid leaving valuables visible, and park in well-lit areas when possible.

Use the Buddy System: When walking or jogging in neighborhoods or parks, consider going with a friend, especially during early morning or evening hours.

Stay Connected: Keep your phone charged and share your location with family members when out alone. Many Knightdale residents use neighborhood apps to stay informed about local safety concerns.

Join Neighborhood Groups: Participate in your community's social media groups and neighborhood associations. These networks often share real-time safety information and coordinate community watch activities.

Attend Town Meetings: Knightdale regularly holds community meetings where safety concerns are discussed and addressed by local officials.

Report Suspicious Activity: Don't hesitate to contact local authorities if you notice unusual behavior or situations that don't seem right.

single street light illuminating a dark street at night

4. Priotze Home Safety

Install Quality Lighting: Motion-sensor lights around entry points, walkways, and dark corners of your property can deter potential intruders and improve visibility.

Upgrade Door and Window Security: Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and consider reinforcing door frames. For windows, security film or bars on ground-level windows can provide additional protection.

Consider a Security System: Modern home security systems with monitoring services provide 24/7 protection and can alert authorities even when you're away from home.

Maintain Your Property: Keep landscaping trimmed to eliminate hiding spots, ensure house numbers are clearly visible for emergency responders, and maintain good sight lines around your home.

Smart Home Technology: Many Knightdale residents are embracing smart home security features:

  • Video doorbells that allow you to see and speak with visitors remotely
  • Smart locks that can be controlled and monitored via smartphone
  • Indoor and outdoor security cameras with cloud storage
  • Smart lighting systems that can be programmed or controlled remotely

keys locking a front door at home

5. Utilize Resources Available in Knightdale

In Knightdale, there is a daily crime map that allows residents to learn about crime activity in their community. The information contained in Spot Crime is accurate and is there to help alert and keep the community safe. 

Knightdale Police Department: The Knightdale Police Department can be reached at (919) 217-2261 for non-emergency situations. The department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all who live, work, and visit the Town of Knightdale through professional policing and community partnerships.

Emergency Communications: For all emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency situations, contact the Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center at (919) 829-1911.

Fire and Emergency Services: Knightdale has its own fire department providing rapid response to medical emergencies, fires, and other safety incidents throughout the community.

Methodology 

Data was sourced from NeighborhoodScout and Niche determine if Knightdale is a safe place to live in North Carolina. 

FAQs

What city in NC has the lowest crime rate?

Cary is considered to be the safest city in North Carolina. With a significantly low crime rate, Cary is one of the most popular Raleigh suburbs to raise a family. 

Is Knightdale a good place to live?

Knightdale, located in Wake County, is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. This area offers residents a dense suburban feel and has many things to do. 

Is Knightdale, NC, growing? 

Not only is Knightdale growing, but its population has nearly doubled since 2000 due to its rise in housing options and job opportunities.

Census data showed that Knightdale's population went from 11,000 people in April 2010 to more than 19,000 people in July 2022. The current population in Knightdale is 21,824. 

Downtown Raleigh Skyline at Sunset overlooking train tracks

Is Knightdale, NC, a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics) - Final Thoughts 

Knightdale offers a blend of suburban safety with room for improvement. While crime statistics show some areas of concern, particularly regarding property crimes, the town's commitment to community policing, active neighborhood associations, and engaged residents create a foundation for ongoing safety improvements.

The safest neighborhoods like Widewaters, Villages at Beaver Dam, and Langston Ridge demonstrate what's possible when communities prioritize security through good planning, resident engagement, and proactive safety measures. These areas serve as models for the kind of safe, family-friendly environment that attracts people to Knightdale.

For prospective residents, the key is choosing the right neighborhood, taking appropriate personal and home security measures, and becoming an engaged community member. With proper precautions and community involvement, many families find Knightdale to be a safe and welcoming place to call home.

If you are considering a move to Knightdale, work with experienced local real estate professionals who can guide you to the safest neighborhoods that meet your family's needs and budget. The right community within Knightdale can offer the security and quality of life you're seeking in the Triangle area.

Are you ready to explore safe neighborhoods in Knightdale? Contact Raleigh Realty today to schedule tours of secure communities that could be your next home.

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!

Chapters
01
City of Knightdale Crime Statistics
02
Safe Neighborhoods in Knightdale
03
How to Stay Safe in Knightdale
04
Priotze Home Safety
05
Utilize Resources Available in Knightdale

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