| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charlotte/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39,378 | n/a (estimate) | 4,121 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 108 | n/a | 11.3 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 271 | n/a | 28.4 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1,381 | n/a | 144.5 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5,372 | n/a | 562.2 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7,132 | n/a (estimate) | 746 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4,095 | n/a | 428.6 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 24,356 | n/a | 2,549.1 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 3,795 | n/a | 397.2 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 32,246 | n/a (estimate) | 3,375 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Charlotte is 77.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Charlotte, there were 7132 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 746 per 100,000 individuals, 101.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 32246 property crimes, amounting to 3375 per 100,000 residents, 72.7% higher than the U.S. average.
In Charlotte, the crime rate stands at 4121 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 77.32%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Charlotte that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Charlotte ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 people, Charlotte is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 134 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Charlotte, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Charlotte stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Charlotte, there were a total of 108 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Charlotte. Based on the results of the surveys (328 responses), 30% of people felt that there was very little crime in Charlotte and felt safe walking alone at night. While 70% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Charlotte a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Charlotte has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 77%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 107.88 daily incidents, encompassing 19.54 violent crimes and 88.35 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Charlotte as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Charlotte has increased by 5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Charlotte, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4.7%, while property crime has increased by 7.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Charlotte is a safe place to live.
The Charlotte region comprises an array of over 151 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Charlotte are exemplars such as Eastover, Wessex Square and Hembstead, whereas Pinecrest, Lincoln Heights and Lakewood grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
Charlotte has a poverty rate that stands at 11.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Charlotte crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Charlotte, 86% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Charlotte is $235,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Charlotte | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2,122 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marvin, NC | 6,672 | 132 | 671 | 803 |
| Lowesville, NC | 3,180 | 132 | 674 | 806 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 19,920 | 68 | 741 | 809 |
| Wesley Chapel, NC | 9,287 | 142 | 724 | 866 |
| Weddington, NC | 11,000 | 154 | 786 | 941 |
| Hemby Bridge, NC | 1,853 | 157 | 802 | 960 |
| Lake Park, NC | 3,851 | 168 | 855 | 1,023 |
| Charlotte, NC | 873,570 | 746 | 3,375 | 4,121 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Francisco, CA | 874,784 | 696 | 6,246 | 6,942 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 869,387 | 1,028 | 3,377 | 4,404 |
| Columbus, OH | 889,079 | 450 | 3,484 | 3,934 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 892,221 | 502 | 2,740 | 3,242 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 902,488 | 387 | 2,339 | 2,726 |
| Charlotte, NC | 873,570 | 746 | 3,375 | 4,121 |
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