Selma, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Selma, NC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Selma crime rate is lower than the national average by 3.2%. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes in Selma, equivalent to 628 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 69.9%. Furthermore, Selma recorded 111 property crimes, amounting to 1622 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 17%.

When assessing the total crime rate in Selma per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Selma, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Selma ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Selma, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 29 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Selma?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Selma residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Selma were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Selma a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Selma, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Selma presents a total crime rate that is 3% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Selma experiences an average of 0.42 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 0.3 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Selma Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Selma has decreased by 27%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Selma, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 16.2%, while property crime has decreased by 36.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Selma is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Selma

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Selma, 56.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Selma, the cost of living is 15.51% lower than the national average.

In Selma, the median home price stands at $110,600, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Selma crime map