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

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

Is Wake Forest, NC, a safe place to live? Here is what you should know about Wake Forest crime statistics. 

Wake Forest is a popular place to live in Wake County, just North of Raleigh. Known for its small-town charm, history, and vibrant culture, Wake Forest offers a thriving art scene, high-end food options, and many recreational activities.

For many reasons, Wake Forest has been considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina, making it one of the top suburbs of Raleigh. With a growing population of over 54,337, Wake Forest is perfect for families, young professionals, and retirees. 

If you're considering a move to Wake Forest, North Carolina, safety is likely at the top of your priority list when searching for homes for sale. As one of the Triangle's most desirable suburbs, Wake Forest has built a reputation as a family-friendly community with strong safety records. 

But what do the actual crime statistics tell us, and which neighborhoods offer the best security for residents?

Find out why Wake Forest is one of the safest cities in North Carolina. 

1. Wake Forest Crime Statistics

Since Raleigh is a safe place to live, it is no surprise that Wake Forest is too. Wake Forest consistently ranks as one of North Carolina's safer communities, with crime statistics that significantly outperform state and national averages. 

Wake Forest maintains an impressive overall crime rate of 17 per 1,000 residents, making it safer than most American cities. Considered safer than 25% of other cities of similar size, Wake Forest is the perfect option for families looking to buy a home. 

Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Wake Forest is remarkably low at just 1 in 639 residents. This low violent crime rate represents consistent performance over multiple years, indicating that Wake Forest's safety isn't just a statistical anomaly but reflects sustained community and law enforcement efforts.

While property crime rates are higher than violent crime rates (as is typical in most communities), Wake Forest still performs exceptionally well. The odds of becoming a victim are one in 65. Property crimes in Wake Forest typically include burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

Here are Wake Forest's annual crime rates: 

Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Wake Forest vs. the rest of North Carolina: 

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

Wake Forest has a substantial safety advantage over the larger Triangle area. While Raleigh has a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents, Wake Forest's rates are dramatically lower across all categories.

Here are the most recent numbers of violent and property crimes reported in Wake Forest: 

Violent Crimes

Property Crimes

Wake Forest's crime statistics show remarkable stability over time, with the community maintaining its low crime rates even as its population grows. 

This stability suggests that the town's approach to public safety through the presence of law enforcement, community engagement, and thoughtful urban planning is successfully scaling with growth. 

The town's proactive approach to maintaining safety standards while accommodating new residents and development provides confidence that these positive trends will continue.

2. Safe Neighborhoods in Wake Forest

If you live in Wake Forest and are ready to find your dream home in a beautiful neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, you are certainly in the right place.

From lovely single-family homes to new-construction homes, Wake Forest has plenty of safe communities and welcoming neighborhoods to choose from when conducting your home search.

Not all areas of Wake Forest carry the same safety profile. Understanding these geographic variations can help you make informed decisions about where to live:

• Northwest Wake Forest: This area boasts the lowest crime risk in Wake Forest
• Central Neighborhoods: These areas see higher crime activity, though still within acceptable ranges for most residents
• Overall Assessment: Even in Wake Forest's higher-activity areas, crime rates remain lower than many comparable suburban communities

Based on crime data, community features, and resident feedback, several neighborhoods stand out for their exceptional safety records:

Holding Village 

Holding Village is a master-planned community that offers beautiful homes and enhanced security through thoughtful design. Holding Village maintains low crime rates with well-lit streets, active community engagement, and proximity to greenways that encourage foot traffic. 

Bishops Grant 

The homes in Bishops Grant consist of single-family homes and townhomes. Bishops Grant's design promotes natural surveillance with open sightlines and engaged neighbors. The neighborhood's family-friendly atmosphere and active homeowners association contribute to its strong safety reputation.

Hasentree 

This upscale golf community combines luxury living with enhanced security measures. Gated access points, regular security patrols, and a close-knit community of residents who look out for one another make the real estate in Hasentree highly sought after. 

3. Community Safety Features 

Wake Forest's commitment to safety extends beyond just police presence. The town has invested in several community-wide safety initiatives:

Modern Infrastructure: Newer developments feature improved street lighting, sidewalks, and open space design that naturally deters criminal activity while encouraging community interaction.

Active Community Engagement: Wake Forest residents are known for their community involvement. Many neighborhoods host regular community meetings and maintain active online forums where neighbors share safety information.

Greenway System: The extensive network of greenways and walking trails is great for recreation, increases foot traffic and natural surveillance in many areas, contributing to overall safety.

Downtown Revitalization: The vibrant downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and regular community events creates a natural "eyes on the street" environment that enhances safety through increased activity and visibility.

4. How to Stay Safe in Wake Forest

Understanding how to stay safe in your community, regardless of location, is crucial. As a popular and prominent city, Wake Forest benefits from a significant police presence to assist in emergencies. 

By taking simple steps, you can ensure your safety. Crime prevention is essential for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crimes.

Even in a relatively safe community like Wake Forest, proactive safety measures are always wise. Here are specific recommendations for Wake Forest residents:

Invest in proper lighting: Motion-sensor lights are particularly effective in Wake Forest's suburban setting, where homes may have larger lots. 

Secure entry points: Quality deadbolts and door reinforcement are essential, especially for homes backing up to wooded areas, common in Wake Forest.

Consider security systems: Many Wake Forest neighborhoods have reliable cell service and internet connectivity that support modern security systems.

Maintain your property: Well-maintained yards and homes signal occupancy and care, deterring potential criminals.

Join neighborhood associations: Wake Forest has numerous active HOAs and community groups that share safety information and coordinate neighborhood watch programs.

Use community apps: Platforms like Nextdoor are popular in Wake Forest for sharing real-time safety information and connecting with neighbors.

Participate in local events: Downtown festivals and community gatherings help build relationships with neighbors who can serve as additional eyes and ears.

Secure vehicles: Even in safe neighborhoods, don't leave valuables visible in your car, especially when parked at trailheads or shopping centers.

Stay informed: While serious crime is rare, awareness of any temporary increases in property crime (like car break-ins) helps you stay prepared. 

5. Utilize Resources Available in Wake Forest

Wake Forest benefits from dedicated law enforcement that understands the community's needs. The Wake Forest Police Department maintains a strong community policing philosophy, with officers regularly participating in neighborhood events and maintaining a visible presence in commercial areas.

The Wake Forest Police Department's mission is to safeguard the lives and property of the people it serves, reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and enhance public safety while working with the community to improve their quality of life. 

The Wake Forest Police Department's overall goal is to reduce crime and make the community a safer place to live and work. To keep this area secure, the department hires proactive and motivated employees who provide the best training and equipment while performing, partnering, and promoting duties, tasks, and programs. 

The department's proactive approach includes regular patrols of neighborhoods, quick response times to calls, and community education programs that help residents stay informed about safety best practices.

Methodology

Data was sourced from NeighborhoodScout and the Wake Forest Police Department to determine if Wake Forest, NC, is a safe place to live. 

FAQS

How safe is Wake Forest?

Wake Forest is considered one of the safest places to live in North Carolina, with an average crime rate of 17 per 1,000 residents. Being a victim of violent crime in Wake Forest is a one in 639 chance, and a victim of property crime is a one in 65 chance. 

Is Wake Forest, NC, a nice place to live? 

Wake Forest is a fantastic place to reside in the Triangle area. It offers beautiful real estate, a welcoming family atmosphere, enjoyable activities, delectable dining options, and outstanding educational and employment prospects.

What is Wake Forest known for?

Due to the average yearly temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, Wake Forest is known as "the great outdoors." This area thrives due to its cultural and diverse attractions throughout the region.

Is Wake Forest Right For You? 

The statistics show that Wake Forest is a safe place to live, with crime rates well below national averages and a community committed to maintaining its secure environment.

The combination of low crime rates, engaged residents, modern infrastructure, and effective law enforcement creates an environment where families can feel comfortable and safe.

Whether you're drawn to the tree-lined streets of established neighborhoods like Hasentree or the modern amenities of newer developments like Holding Village, Wake Forest offers numerous options for safe, comfortable living.

The key is choosing a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle while taking advantage of the community safety resources available throughout the town.

For families, young professionals, and retirees alike, Wake Forest represents an excellent balance of small-town safety with big-city accessibility. These unique traits make it a safe place to live and a wise choice for your next home.

If you are ready to explore safe, beautiful neighborhoods in Wake Forest, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your perfect home in one of North Carolina's safest towns.