Rural York Crime Rate

Rural York is one of the safest regions in the district, boasting an overall crime rate of just 46.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area has an exceptional safety score of 90/100, far exceeding the national average of 79. Most impressively, crime in Rural York is on a strong downward trend, decreasing by 18.4% year-over-year. This indicates a very high level of security and peace of mind for its 11,173 residents. The area's low population density and rural character contribute to these positive figures, making it a highly desirable location for those prioritising safety. This report details the specific crime breakdown and temporal patterns for Rural York, providing context for its status as a safe haven.

Rural York enjoys a very low crime profile, with three categories making up the majority of reports: violence and sexual offences (32.8%), anti-social behaviour (25.4%), and other theft (8.0%). Given the small population, these percentages represent a very low actual volume of crime. Criminal damage and arson also feature at 7.8%.

Property crime in Rural York is exceptionally low, with a rate of 12.9 per 1,000 people—far below the UK average of 32.3. This includes just 18 vehicle crimes, 15 burglaries, and 14 bicycle thefts over the entire year. For residents, this means that the risk of property-related offences is minimal. However, because crime is so infrequent, any single incident can feel significant. The low property crime rate suggests that the area is inherently secure, but homeowners should not become entirely complacent, as the rural nature of the area can sometimes attract opportunistic thieves looking for isolated targets. Secure outbuildings and clear boundary markers remain important for maintaining this high level of safety.

The crime trend in Rural York is exceptionally positive, with a significant 18.4% decrease in total offences over the last year. This downward trajectory is a strong indicator of the area's increasing safety. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that crime rates remained consistently low, starting at 3.2 in December and reaching a low of 2.4 in November 2025.

There was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, with the rate peaking at 5.2 in July. However, even at this peak, the crime level remained far below the national average. The significant drop toward the end of the year, with November recording the lowest rate of the period, suggests that the area is entering the new year in a very secure position. For residents, these trends confirm that Rural York is not only a safe place to live but is actively becoming safer over time.

How To Keep Safe in Rural York

Rural York is a very safe area, but with violence and sexual offences making up 32.8% of the small number of reported crimes, personal awareness is still valuable. When walking in more isolated rural spots, especially after dark, it is a good idea to let someone know your route and expected return time. Carrying a torch and staying on marked paths can also prevent accidental injury or vulnerability.

Theft-related offences make up a combined 8.0% of crime, so residents should ensure that outbuildings, barns, and sheds are properly secured with high-quality padlocks. In rural communities, anti-social behaviour (25.4%) often involves fly-tipping or nuisance vehicles; reporting these incidents promptly helps maintain the area's pristine character. Finally, because vehicle crime accounts for 3.5% of reports, never leave tools or valuables in cars parked in remote laybys or driveways. By taking these simple rural-specific precautions, you can help keep Rural York one of the safest places in the region.

In Rural York, crime follows a pattern typical of low-density areas. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, which accounts for 48% and 50% of crimes respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is the primary concern during daylight hours, possibly targeting unattended properties or outbuildings. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become more prevalent, accounting for 54% of incidents. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a notable shift toward vehicle crime, which rises to 31% of the period's offences. Burglary also reaches its highest proportional peak at night (16%). This data indicates that while the overall volume of crime is very low, the risk to property and vehicles is most concentrated during the quietest hours of the night.

When compared to the rest of the York district, Rural York is a standout performer for safety. Its crime rate of 46.1 is less than half that of the York Built-Up Area (116.4). It is also safer than the nearby suburban areas of Huntington (86.2) and Osbaldwick (40.6). In the regional context, Rural York offers a level of tranquillity that is hard to match in more urbanised parts of North Yorkshire. For residents, this means a significantly lower exposure to anti-social behaviour and property crime compared to their neighbours in the city. The area's safety profile is more aligned with the quietest rural villages in the county, offering a peaceful alternative to the busy urban core.

In the peaceful environment of Rural York, where the property crime rate is a low 12.9 per 1,000, residents might feel that security is a secondary concern. However, rural properties can often be more vulnerable due to their isolation and the time it takes for a physical response to arrive. With 15 burglaries and 18 vehicle crimes occurring annually, the risk is low but the impact of an incident can be high.

Traditional security systems often struggle in rural settings, providing only grainy footage of a crime that has already occurred. scOS (Security Operating System) offers a more intelligent approach. By using AI-powered proactive detection, scOS can monitor large property boundaries and long driveways, identifying threats before they reach the house. The system's vehicle verification can instantly spot unknown cars, which is particularly useful in low-traffic rural areas. By deterring intruders at the boundary with autonomous responses, scOS ensures that your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest. For Rural York residents, this proactive technology provides the ultimate layer of protection for their quiet, high-value properties.