Abisola SalahuThe safest Raleigh neighborhoods also double as the best places for families in terms of good housing, quality of life, and socialization. These neighborhoods are drawing in increasing numbers of young professionals, many of whom are looking for the perfect place to set up shop, and put down roots with their families.
With this influx of the working class; the area has also seen plenty of investments in real estate as well as in retail commerce, as many businesses have opened up so as to serve the residents. These neighborhoods are well planned out; they have good road networks, very good social scenes, and natural attractions to make life more colorful.
Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods In Raleigh (Current Data)
1. Glenwood
Glenwood is the safest neighborhood in Raleigh for 2026, based on FBI crime data analysis from HomeSnacks and DoorProfit. It received an “A” safety rating and is considered “very safe,” with an overall crime index of 76, which is 24% below the national average and 44% lower than the Raleigh city average of 120. Glenwood is safer than 95% of neighborhoods in Raleigh, making it one of the most secure areas in the city.
Violent crime sits at an index of 87 (13% below the national average), while property crime is at 94 (6% below average). The most elevated concern in Glenwood is assault (index: 151, 51% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 48, 52% below average). The neighborhood has a median income of approximately $134,363 and a median home value of $1,106,881, reflecting its affluent and stable residential character.
2. Wakefield Plantation
Wakefield Plantation ranks second among Raleigh’s safest neighborhoods with an “A” safety grade, according to analysis. This neighborhood offers residents a very safe environment with a crime index of 63, indicating significantly lower crime than both the national and city averages . The median household income here is approximately $115,612, reflecting the area’s stable, residential character and well-maintained properties.
Wakefield Plantation is particularly popular among families seeking a secure suburban atmosphere with access to good schools and community amenities. Its location in the northeast part of Raleigh provides residents with a peaceful setting while remaining within convenient distance of the city’s commercial and employment centers.
3. Five Points
Five Points is another historically safe neighborhood in Raleigh, earning an “A” rating from recent safety analysis. With a crime index of 118, it remains significantly safer than the city average of 120, though its index is higher than some of the top-ranked neighborhoods . The median income here is about $104,190, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents seeking a secure and well-established community close to downtown amenities.
Five Points is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community engagement, all of which contribute to its sustained safety profile. The neighborhood’s walkability and proximity to parks and local businesses make it a desirable choice for families and professionals alike.
4. Wade
Wade is consistently ranked among the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh, with an “A” safety grade and a crime index of 121 according to DoorProfit’s 2026 data . The neighborhood’s median income is approximately $96,851, and it is listed as the fourth-safest in the city based on published crime rankings.
Located near the North Carolina State University campus and the Wade Avenue corridor, this area benefits from a stable residential base and active community involvement. Its proximity to the university and downtown Raleigh provides residents with easy access to cultural events, dining, and employment opportunities while maintaining a quiet, secure residential atmosphere.
5. Midtown Raleigh
Midtown Raleigh is a safe, centrally located neighborhood with an “A” safety rating and a crime index of 92, according to DoorProfit’s analysis. The median income here is approximately $102,840, and its combination of urban convenience and security makes it a popular choice for a wide range of residents, from young professionals to retirees.
Midtown offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues along the Capital Boulevard corridor, as well as proximity to the Crabtree Valley Mall area. The neighborhood’s residential streets are well-maintained, and community engagement initiatives help maintain its reputation as one of Raleigh’s safest areas.
6. Hillsborough
Hillsborough ranks as one of Raleigh’s safest neighborhoods, earning an “A” safety grade with a crime index of 81, which is 19% below the national average and 39% lower than the city average . It is safer than 68% of neighborhoods in Raleigh. Its median income is approximately $46,444, one of the lower figures on this list, yet the neighborhood maintains strong safety metrics . Violent crime in Hillsborough sits at an index of 106 (6% above the national average), while property crime is at 100 (0% below average).
The most elevated concern is rape (index: 159, 59% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 78, 22% below average) . Hillsborough is home to a diverse population of approximately 14,355 residents, with a median age of 28 and a mix of owner-occupied (23%) and renter-occupied (77%) housing . Its location near downtown Raleigh provides convenient access to the city’s amenities while maintaining a safe residential character.
7. Forestville
Forestville is a safe, northeast Raleigh neighborhood with an “A” safety rating and a crime index of 65 according to DoorProfit’s 2026 data . The median income here is approximately $84,883, and this neighborhood offers a secure residential environment with good access to surrounding amenities.
Forestville is located in the northeastern part of Raleigh, an area that has seen significant residential growth in recent years. The neighborhood features a mix of newer housing developments and established communities, with active homeowners’ associations that help maintain safety standards and community engagement. Its location provides convenient access to major highways, shopping centers, and employment hubs in the Research Triangle area.
8. North Raleigh
North Raleigh is a large, safe area earning an “A-” safety grade with a crime index of 83, according to DoorProfit’s analysis . It is frequently mentioned in safety rankings, with a median income of approximately $94,718. Its broad geography contains many secure residential pockets, from established neighborhoods near the city core to newer developments on the city’s northern fringe.
North Raleigh is one of the city’s most desirable areas for families, offering excellent schools, numerous parks, and convenient access to shopping and dining along the Falls of Neuse and Capital Boulevard corridors. The area’s low crime rates and strong community engagement make it a consistently popular choice for safety-conscious residents.
9. Northwest Raleigh
Northwest Raleigh is another very safe area with an “A-” safety grade and a crime index of 89 . The median income here is approximately $95,516, and the neighborhood is known for its low crime rates, making it a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a secure suburban lifestyle.
However, it is worth noting that HomeSnacks’ analysis ranks Northwest Raleigh as the third-safest neighborhood based on FBI crime data, while DoorProfit’s broader list places it ninth . The neighborhood encompasses a large area stretching from the city’s western edge toward the Research Triangle Park, featuring a mix of established residential communities, shopping centers, and recreational amenities such as Lake Lynn and Umstead State Park.
10. Northeast Raleigh
Northeast Raleigh rounds out the top ten safest neighborhoods, earning an “A-” safety grade with a crime index of 87. Its median income is approximately $73,164, and this area offers a safe, suburban feel while remaining within the Raleigh city limits . HomeSnacks’ 2026 analysis ranks Northeast Raleigh as the tenth-safest neighborhood in the city based on FBI crime data, reflecting consistent recognition across multiple ranking methodologies.
The area has experienced significant growth in recent years, with new housing developments, shopping centers, and schools attracting families seeking affordable homes in a safe environment. Its location near the northeastern city limits provides residents with convenient access to major roadways while maintaining a quiet, residential atmosphere.
Comparison Table
| Rank | Neighborhood | Safety Grade | Crime Index | Median Income (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenwood | A | 76 | $134,363 |
| 2 | Wakefield Plantation | A | 63 | $115,612 |
| 3 | Five Points | A | 118 | $104,190 |
| 4 | Wade | A | 121 | $96,851 |
| 5 | Midtown Raleigh | A | 92 | $102,840 |
| 6 | Hillsborough | A | 81 | $46,444 |
| 7 | Forestville | A | 65 | $84,883 |
| 8 | North Raleigh | A‑ | 83 | $94,718 |
| 9 | Northwest Raleigh | A‑ | 89 | $95,516 |
| 10 | Northeast Raleigh | A‑ | 87 | $73,164 |
Tips For Success
Use Official Data: The Raleigh Police Department’s CrimeMapper tool is the most reliable source for current crime data in a specific area. It allows you to view recent incidents, filter by crime type, and search by address or neighborhood. Data is extracted regularly from the Raleigh Police Department’s records system to ensure the information is as current as possible.
Crime is Localized: A neighborhood’s overall safety grade is an average. Crime can be concentrated on specific streets or blocks, so conditions can vary significantly within a single neighborhood . Using CrimeMapper allows you to see activity at the street level.
Consider the Southwest: General crime analysis shows that the southwest part of Raleigh is the safest . However, the central parts of the city see the most incidents. HomeSnacks’ analysis identifies Glenwood, North, and Northwest as the top three safest neighborhoods.
Visit at Different Times: Every neighborhood looks safe at noon on a Tuesday. Visit potential areas at night and on weekends to get a true feel for the environment.
Check Long-Term Trends*: The City of Raleigh’s Open Data portal provides crime data going back to 2014, allowing you to track trends over time .
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Closing
Raleigh’s safest neighborhoods are concentrated in well-established communities with strong residential character and active community engagement. Glenwood consistently ranks as the safest neighborhood right now, followed by Wakefield Plantation, Five Points, Wade, and Midtown Raleigh. While the city’s overall crime grade is a C, with a crime index of 120, these neighborhoods offer significantly lower crime rates and safer living environments . Glenwood stands out with an overall crime index of 76, 24% below the national average and 44% lower than the city average, while Wakefield Plantation boasts an index of 63.
The key to finding a safe place to live is combining data-driven research with personal observation, and the Raleigh Police Department’s CrimeMapper tool is a valuable resource for this purpose. As with any city, “safe” is a relative term, but the neighborhoods on this list provide the best foundation for security-conscious residents seeking a home in North Carolina’s capital. Raleigh’s ranking as the 22nd Best Place to Live in the U.S. by Niche underscores the city’s overall quality of life, with its safest neighborhoods contributing significantly to this reputation.