What is the Crime Rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina is one of the most populous states in the United States, with a population of over 10 million people. As with any state, crime is a concern that affects the daily lives of its residents. In this article, we will examine the crime rate in North Carolina, including the most common types of crimes, the safest and most dangerous cities, and the latest trends and statistics.
What is the Overall Crime Rate in North Carolina?
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the overall crime rate in North Carolina for 2020 was 446.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is a decrease of 3.1% from 2019, when the rate was 460.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.
| Crime Type | 2020 Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Percentage Change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter | 4.4 | -6.7% |
| Rape | 34.9 | -4.6% |
| Robbery | 134.5 | -3.6% |
| Aggravated Assault | 137.1 | -5.1% |
| Burglary | 231.4 | -3.9% |
| Larceny | 1,434.4 | -2.7% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 136.3 | -3.3% |
Trends and Statistics
According to the FBI’s UCR Program, the majority of crimes in North Carolina are property crimes, accounting for 74.1% of all reported offenses. The most common type of property crime is larceny, which is a decrease of 2.7% from 2019.
Violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault, account for 25.9% of all reported offenses. The rate of murder and non-negligent manslaughter has decreased 6.7% from 2019, while the rate of rape has decreased 4.6%.
Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina
The safest cities in North Carolina are typically those with low crime rates and populations under 50,000. Some of the safest cities in North Carolina include:
- Hertford: With a population of around 6,000, Hertford has a crime rate of 1,164.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safest cities in the state.
- Manteo: With a population of around 4,000, Manteo has a crime rate of 1,245.8 incidents per 100,000 residents.
- Jacksonville: With a population of around 70,000, Jacksonville has a crime rate of 2,144.9 incidents per 100,000 residents.
On the other hand, the most dangerous cities in North Carolina tend to have high crime rates and populations over 100,000. Some of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina include:
- Charlotte: With a population of over 886,000, Charlotte has a crime rate of 647.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
- Durham: With a population of over 275,000, Durham has a crime rate of 584.1 incidents per 100,000 residents.
- Raleigh: With a population of over 479,000, Raleigh has a crime rate of 531.1 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s crime rate is similar to the national average, with a slight decrease in overall crime rates in 2020. However, crime rates can vary significantly depending on the location, with some cities having much higher rates than others.
It is essential to be aware of the crime rate in your area to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property. By understanding the trends and statistics, you can better prepare yourself for potential criminal activity and work to build a safer community.
| Crime Prevention Tips |
|---|
| Always lock your doors and windows |
| Keep valuable items out of sight |
| Be aware of your surroundings |
| Avoid walking alone at night |
| Keep emergency numbers handy |
