Is Raleigh or Rocky Mount Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Raleigh is safer than Rocky Mount (Safety Score 15/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100,000 versus 4,745 for Rocky Mount — 30% lower. Raleigh has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Raleigh has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Raleigh is 9.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rocky Mount — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Raleigh, NC
Rocky Mount, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Raleigh | Rocky Mount | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,308.0 | 4,745.2 | -1,437.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 488.9 | 765.4 | -276.5 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 12.9 | -7.8 |
| Rape Rate | 36.1 | 38.7 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 86.7 | 156.8 | -70.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 361.0 | 557.0 | -196.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,819.2 | 3,979.9 | -1,160.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 279.1 | 739.5 | -460.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,058.9 | 2,849.3 | -790.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 481.3 | 391.0 | +90.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh or Rocky Mount safer?
Raleigh is safer with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100K vs 4,745 for Rocky Mount — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Raleigh has a violent crime rate of 488.9 per 100K while Rocky Mount has 765.4. Raleigh has lower violent crime.
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.
About Rocky Mount, NC
Rocky Mount, straddling Nash and Edgecombe counties, is a former railroad town with a rich tobacco heritage. Situated along the Tar River, it serves as a regional hub in eastern North Carolina. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 54,223, Rocky Mount has a total crime rate of 4,745.2 per 100,000 residents.