Is New Bern or Raleigh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bern is safer than Raleigh (Safety Score 41/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100,000 versus 3,308 for Raleigh — 40% lower. New Bern has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Raleigh has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Raleigh is 15.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bern — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bern, NC
Raleigh, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bern | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,978.6 | 3,308.0 | -1,329.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 362.5 | 488.9 | -126.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.3 | 5.1 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 36.1 | -2.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 43.0 | 86.7 | -43.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 273.4 | 361.0 | -87.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,616.1 | 2,819.2 | -1,203.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 273.4 | 279.1 | -5.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,293.5 | 2,058.9 | -765.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 49.2 | 481.3 | -432.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bern or Raleigh safer?
New Bern is safer with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100K vs 3,308 for Raleigh — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bern has a violent crime rate of 362.5 per 100K while Raleigh has 488.9. New Bern has lower violent crime.
About New Bern, NC
New Bern, North Carolina, a colonial capital, sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. This Craven County seat is home to Tryon Palace and a population of around 30,000. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 32,548, New Bern has a total crime rate of 1,978.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital, anchors the Research Triangle Park technology hub. Founded in 1792, it's known as the "City of Oaks" for its tree-lined streets and boasts a population exceeding 470,000. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 488,085, Raleigh has a total crime rate of 3,308.0 per 100,000 residents.