Is Corolla Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On the northern end of the barrier island off North Carolina’s coast is Corolla.

It’s in a region known as the Currituck Outer Banks.

The biggest claim to fame here is the wild horses that roam the land, descendants of a Spanish shipwreck or left behind when Spanish settlers fled the natives.

This is a quieter side of the Outer Banks, with expansive beaches and preserved lands.

You’re more likely to spot wildlife than nightlife here.

Corolla boasts some of the East Coast’s most stunning beaches, characterized by soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Whether you’re looking to relax, swim, surf, or embark on a beachcombing adventure, the shorelines here are simply breathtaking.

From kayaking through serene waterways to embarking on off-road adventures in the 4×4 beaches, Corolla provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore Currituck Sound, go fishing, or enjoy a round of golf with picturesque backdrops.

You can mark a lighthouse off your checklist because the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is open seasonally for tours with amazing views at the top.

Corolla is remote and refined but worth every extra mile you have to drive to get there.

TOURIST TIP:

The town is pronounced “Cor-RAH-lah,” not like Corolla the car.

Warnings & Dangers in Corolla

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Corolla and still a surprising number of things to do for a more remote part of OBX.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You can pay for local transportation services, but there isn't a public bus or shuttle system. Even if you see "Corolla Trolley" during your search, you'll be looking at private companies that offer services for weddings and special events. Taxis and rideshares are somewhat reliable, but having your own car is ideal.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, no pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in Currituck County. That's a low risk (and quite surprising, in my opinion). Lock your vehicles because nearly 25% of all thefts during that time were related to car break-ins.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The medium risk comes from the six months of the year that cover hurricane season and the storms that can cause dangerous waters even on sunny days. There's no easy escape from Corolla, either, so don't wait until the last minute to leave because of a hurricane or tropical storm.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Corolla hasn't had more than three robberies in a year going back a full decade, so there's another low risk for you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

You can rest easy on this one, too. Terrorism isn't a concern here. The most problematic groups that come here are teenagers on spring break.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but you really have to watch out for rental scams. Start by only using reputable rental companies through the tourism site. That's not a sales pitch. That's helping you find a place that is licensed, verified, and accountable for their actions. With a nearly 100% occupancy rate in Corolla during summer, you aren't going to find a great deal. On the flip side, you also won't ever be asked to wire money to secure a home by a reputable owner.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Corolla and Currituck Outer Banks are the quieter side of OBX, so you'll be safe here if not itching for some excitement. You should know some basic skills, like how to dig a stuck car out of the sand and how to avoid the dangers of a rip tide, but overall, the risk is low.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The water here is safe to drink and tested regularly. A copy of the annual water quality report is available on the county's website. When flooding or tropical storms hit, the water can be compromised, and boil orders will likely be issued. This is totally normal on a barrier island.

Safest Places to Visit in Corolla

Corolla, Currituck, and Duck are all part of the Currituck Outer Banks, with the website VisitCurrituck.com being the official tourism site.

While Corolla and Currituck (the town) are just 11 miles apart as the crow flies, they are separated by the Currituck Sound.

To get to Knotts Island or Currituck, you’ll need to take a tour boat, ferry, or drive 55 miles across the Kitty Hawk bridge.

Begin your journey at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a majestic red-brick tower offering panoramic views of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean from its summit.

Access to the ground is free, and tours are available to those four and older with paid admission.

As you descend, venture to the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, an educational hub that sheds light on the local wildlife, particularly the wild horses that roam these shores.

Discover the history of Corolla at the Historic Corolla Park, where you can meander through beautifully landscaped gardens and historic structures.

Whalehead, a mansion-turned-museum, is a 1920s-era beachfront home open for tours in the park.

Dive into the rich maritime history of the region at the Currituck Maritime Museum, where fascinating exhibits and artifacts trace the seafaring heritage of the area.

For a unique experience, make your way to the Wild Horse Museum, where you can delve deeper into the captivating story of the wild horses that call Currituck home.

These iconic creatures can be encountered on a Wild Horse Tour.

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge includes a remote location known as “Monkey Island.”

You can visit Monkey Island, but you should know:

1. There are no monkeys there. It is named after the native Pamunkey people.

2. Talk with the Forest Service about how to access the island safely.

Places to Avoid in Corolla

You don’t have to worry about dangerous or bad neighborhoods in Corolla.

You *might have a problem finding a place to stay.

The popularity of OBX has grown so much that the entire summer can easily get booked more than a year in advance.

Plan your trip 18–24 months out, and realize that most rentals will require at least a week’s stay during the summer.

Avoid trying to “wing it” and show up hoping to find a campsite or hotel room.

While you can easily get to the places where you might see one or more of the wild horses, you cannot come within 50 feet of them.

That’s a law.

Logic would also dictate that means you cannot feed or pet them, but I feel responsible for punctuating that point.

Taking a guided tour of the wild horse area helps you get more out of the experience by learning the history and daily routines of the horses while getting as close as legally possible.

I’d also recommend you check with the resort of your choice to ask about spring break in OBX.

There have been some issues in recent years with teenagers causing problems during spring break.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Corolla

So... How Safe Is Corolla Really?

Since we don’t have crime data from Corolla, we have to default to Currituck County.

The violent crime rate there is half the national average, and that accounts for almost 30,000 people.

Only about 1,000 of those people live full-time in Corolla.

More than one-third of all thefts are related to car break-ins, proving that even “safe” communities have their fault lines.

However, the number of those that could’ve been prevented by people locking car doors or not leaving personal items in plain sight is staggering.

You know better, right?

Beyond that, it’s really a matter of how safe you make the experience.

Don’t drive on the beach if you don’t have the tools to get yourself out.

Don’t go in the water if there are red warning flags.

Avoid the region during a tropical storm or hurricane.

Don’t feed or mess with the horses.

It’s that simple to have the most relaxing experience on the Outer Banks in a quiet enclave.

How Does Corolla Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa or visa waiver is required for all international travelers, along with a valid passport that isn't within six months of expiring. You can start the visa process on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here, and you'll want to exchange currency long before you get to the island. The Norfolk, Virginia airport has Travelex currency exchange options. Your home bank will offer the lowest fees.

Weather

Dress for wind, rain, and chilly nights or mornings, especially since getting up for the sunrise is a main attraction in Corolla. You'll need bug spray and sunscreen with you at all times. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and water shoes are great even if you're just walking along the tide line on the beach. Layers of clothing will help keep up with the fluctuating temperatures from day to night.

Airports

It looks a lot closer on the map, but the Norfolk (Virginia) International Airport is the closest option, and it's about two hours away. If you are flying out of Raleigh-Durham, that's going to be a 4+ hour drive.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is important for a place so prone to tropical weather and activities that could cause injuries. Even going up the lighthouse stairs will require you to sign a liability waiver. Make sure you have health coverage in America before you leave.

Corolla Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

North Carolina - Safety by City