| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lenoir/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 706 | n/a (estimate) | 3,888 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 71.6 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 27.5 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 110.1 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 209 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 172 | n/a | 947.1 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 426 | n/a | 2,345.8 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 70 | n/a | 385.5 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 668 | n/a (estimate) | 3,678 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
The Lenoir crime rates are 67.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 38 violent crimes in Lenoir (209 per 100,000 people), which is 43.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 668 property crimes (3678 per 100,000 residents) which is 88.2% higher than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lenoir reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
With a property crime rate of 3678 crimes per 100,000 people, Lenoir unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lenoir is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Lenoir. Based on the results of the surveys (35 responses), 43% of people felt that there was very little crime in Lenoir and felt safe walking alone at night. While 57% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Lenoir, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lenoir presents a total crime rate that is 67% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lenoir experiences an average of 1.93 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 1.83 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lenoir has decreased by 5.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lenoir is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 36.7%, while property crime has decreased by 2.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lenoir.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Lenoir, 73% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Lenoir, the cost of living is 13.63% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
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 Lenoir is $110,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Lenoir | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 64 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Drexel, NC | 1,725 | 0 | 114 | 114 |
| Northlakes, NC | 1,304 | 109 | 556 | 665 |
| Rutherford College, NC | 1,104 | 160 | 815 | 975 |
| Cedar Rock, NC | 284 | 164 | 834 | 997 |
| Glen Alpine, NC | 1,927 | 179 | 912 | 1,091 |
| Salem, NC | 1,479 | 193 | 984 | 1,177 |
| Cajah's Mountain, NC | 2,758 | 193 | 984 | 1,178 |
| Lenoir, NC | 17,909 | 209 | 3,678 | 3,888 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Palestine, TX | 17,906 | 696 | 2,579 | 3,275 |
| Fayetteville, GA | 17,902 | 163 | 2,370 | 2,533 |
| Beltsville, MD | 17,922 | 479 | 1,968 | 2,448 |
| Arroyo Grande, CA | 17,924 | 498 | 1,444 | 1,941 |
| Safety Harbor, FL | 17,893 | 184 | 1,110 | 1,294 |
| Lenoir, NC | 17,909 | 209 | 3,678 | 3,888 |
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