Is Cary, NC a Safe Place to Live? (Crime Statistics)
June 12th, 2024
Is Cary, NC a Safe Place to Live?
Is Cary, NC, a safe place to live? Below you will find information on Cary crime statistics, the safest neighborhoods in Cary, and crime prevention and safety tips.
Cary is a fantastic place to call home, located 12 miles from Downtown Raleigh. Located in Western Wake and Chatham counties, Cary is the seventh-largest municipality in North Carolina and a top-rated suburb of Raleigh.
Recognized as one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Cary is a great place for families because it is home to beautiful real estate, excellent schools, sought-after amenities, and, of course, a low crime rate.
As a thriving community in the heart of the Triangle area, many people are choosing to live in Cary for its high quality of life, access to jobs, and high safety rating. Offering a small-town feel and quiet streets, it is no wonder that Cary is a great place to live for everyone, especially if you are raising children.
Since safety is essential when relocating, we have compiled up-to-date crime statistics and data along with information on the safest communities in Cary to help make your moving decision easier.
Whether you have been to Cary before or want to explore the area, learning about its crime rate will prepare you for your visit. So, is Cary, NC, safe? Here is everything that you need to know about safety in Cary.
Here is what you need to know about the crime rate in Cary
Cary Crime Statistics
Cary is a very safe place to call home in North Carolina. In fact, it is also one of the safest places to live in the country. Named one of America's Safest Cities, Cary is renowned for its well-maintained public spaces and family-friendly atmosphere.
Much like Raleigh is safe, so is Cary. Consistently rated as one of the safest towns in the Southeast among municipalities with populations of 100,000 to 500,000 people, it is no wonder that so many people want to live here if they are moving to North Carolina.
With a crime index of 42, this means that Cary is safer than 42% of other U.S. cities. Here are the Cary annual crime rates for both violent and property crimes:
| Crime Rate | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Total Crime |
| Total Number of Crimes | 144 | 1,986 | 2,130 |
| Crime Rate per 1,000 residents | 0.80 | 11.01 | 11.81 |
Even though crime in Cary does not happen as often, it does happen, but it is mostly incidents of property crimes. Cary's most common property crimes are burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Here is the total number of property crimes reported per property crime type in Cary:
| Property Crime Type | Burglary | Theft | Motor Vehicle Theft |
| Report Total | 301 | 1,544 | 141 |
| Rate per 1,000 residents | 1.67 | 8.56 | 0.78 |
Based on reported incidents, theft is Cary's most common property crime type, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft. Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Cary is one in 91.
Here is the total number of violent crimes reported per violent crime type in Cary:
| Violent Crime Type | Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault |
| Report Total | 0 | 12 | 29 | 103 |
| Rate per 1,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.07 | 0.16 | 0.57 |
Based on reported incidents, assault is Cary's most common violent crime type, followed by robbery and rape. There are no reports of murder. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Cary is one in 1,253.
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
The Town of Cary Police Department has an active presence in the area and works to keep Cary safe through crime prevention measures and community engagement through neighborhood watch programs and presentations.
Through loyalty, excellence, and teamwork, the Cary Police Department does its best to protect Cary and its citizens and is a trustworthy contact in times of need and distress.
Safe Neighborhoods in Cary
Even though Cary has a low crime rate and an active police department, it is always a good idea to move to a neighborhood known for its high safety rating and access to top amenities.
Home to many great neighborhoods for raising kids and part of a good school system, Cary has some neighborhoods that are known to be safer than others simply based on location and demographics.
Amberly
Amberly is a top-rated neighborhood in Cary with over 1,100 acres of planned development and is considered a best-selling neighborhood. It is located just off Highway 55.
This big residential neighborhood is full of beautiful single-family homes and is made up of smaller Cary neighborhoods that range in price. Considered a safe area and located close to amenities and fun activities, Amberly is a great place to look for real estate.
Lochmere
Lochmere is conveniently located in Cary near lots of trees, walking trails, and shopping centers. Lochmere is home to the Lochmere Golf Club and community amenities, including a swimming pool and tennis courts, offering a tranquil way of life and a tight-knit community feel.
There are many homes in Lochmere to choose from that provide lakefront living and lots of privacy with tons of tree coverage in this established neighborhood.
Preston
Preston is a sought-after neighborhood in Cary that is home to luxurious single-family homes and the scenic Prestonwood Country Club that includes 54 holes of golf, tennis courts, a fitness center, and fine dining.
Located near several highly rated public schools, including Greenhope High School, Preston is a popular choice for many families because of its access to amenities and fun things to do.
Cary Park
Cary Park is located in West Cary and is known for being a diverse residential community that is great for families, young working professionals, and retirees to call home.
Built around a 28-acre lake, this neighborhood is located near the heart of Downtown Cary and offers a wide range of homes for sale in many different sizes and price points.
MacGregor Downs
MacGregor Downs is an exclusive and luxurious residential community that is known for its high safety rating, family-friendly environment, and clean atmosphere near Downtown Cary.
The MacGregor Downs Country Club is located within the community and offers a wide range of homes for sale. It features an 18-hole private golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness center, and fine dining.
Carpenter Village
Carpenter Village is a charming neighborhood in Cary with a rich history and an exceptional living experience. Located near Research Triangle Park, this beautiful community features walking trails, nice amenities, and homes that range in square footage and price.
Wellsley
Wellsley in Cary is a welcoming community and beautiful subdivision on High House Road. With 364 single-family homes, this area is popular with homebuyers because of its convenient location and small-town atmosphere.
Crime Prevention and Safety Tips in Cary
Cary is a very safe place to call home, but it is always a great idea to follow basic crime prevention and safety tips no matter where you live. As long as you follow home safety checklists, lock your doors, and pay attention to your surroundings, you can avoid becoming a victim of crime in your neighborhood and city.
1. Keep Doors Closed and Locked
Even if you are at home during the day, make sure to always keep your doors closed and locked. On average, 3,062 burglaries happen every day in the United States. In order to not become a part of this statistic, lock your doors and never open the door for someone that you do not know.
2. Be a Good Neighbor
Always be a good neighbor and look out for others in your neighborhood. Many communities have community watch programs, which is a great way to prevent crime. If you notice suspicious activity, do not hesitate to report it to the community and the police.
3. Stay Alert
Never let your guard down, and always stay alert, especially if you are alone. Pay attention to your surroundings and know what is going on around you. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by your phone when walking alone.
4. Be Visible
If you are walking at night, make sure to always carry a flashlight and wear bright-colored clothing or reflective materials. Walk confidently and keep your hands free if you need to react when necessary.
5. Use Well-Lit and Well Traveled Routes
Be observant of your surroundings at all times, and make sure to stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes when possible. Be cautious of strangers in your area, and do not take shortcuts.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Always trust your gut instincts and rely on your intuition when assessing a situation. If something does not feel right or if you feel unsafe, get out of the situation as quickly as possible and call for help.
7. Travel in Groups
While it might not always be possible, it is always best to travel with other people when walking or running errands. It is always better to travel with other people since there is safety in numbers.
8. Invest in a Security System at Home
Not only should you keep your doors locked at all times, but investing in a good home security system can provide even more protection from home intruders. Many security systems are on the market, and affordable options are available.
9. Don't Flash Your Cash or Personal Belongings
Do not give others a reason to rob you by flashing your cash or other important personal belongings. Keep your phone, credit cards, and cash close to your body and out of reach.
10. Ask for Help
Always keep your cell phone charged in case of an emergency. If you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to call for help and alert the authorities. If you are in a dangerous situation, seek help immediately.
Methodology
We used data and information from NeighborhoodScout, Forbes, the Cary Police Department, and the Town of Cary to determine the safety rating and crime statistics of Cary, North Carolina.
FAQs
Below we have answered some common questions about safety in Cary, NC.
Is Downtown Cary, NC, safe?
Not only is Downtown Cary safe to walk around, but it is home to many top-rated restaurants, bars, family-friendly activities, and fun things to do.
What City in NC has the worst crime?
The most dangerous city in North Carolina is Lumberton which is located almost two hours south of Raleigh and has a crime rate of 95 per every 1,000 residents.
Is Cary, NC, a wealthy area?
Best known for its small-town charm, Cary is home to many wealthy communities and is considered an affluent area in North Carolina with a cost of living that is higher than the national average.
Is Cary, NC, walkable?
Designated as a National Silver Level Walk-Friendly Community, Cary is a great place for walking since it has many safe sidewalks, trails, and greenways.
Is Cary, NC, Safe? - The Bottom Line
Based on current crime statistics it is determined that Cary is a very safe place to live in the Triangle area. Similar to Cary, Holly Springs was also rated as a safe town in North Carolina with low property and violent crime rates.
If you are moving to Cary and are looking at buying a home in one of the many safe neighborhoods in the area, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. From golf club communities to lakefront properties, find your dream home in one of the safest places to live in North Carolina.
Ryan Fitzgerald
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!
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