| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Shelby/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 766 | n/a (estimate) | 3,477 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 22.7 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 49.9 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 17 | n/a | 77.2 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 197 | n/a | 894.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 230 | n/a (estimate) | 1,044 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 107 | n/a | 485.7 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 378 | n/a | 1,716.0 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 51 | n/a | 231.5 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 536 | n/a (estimate) | 2,433 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Shelby is 64.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 230 violent crimes reported in Shelby, equivalent to 1044 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 190.8%. Additionally, Shelby recorded 536 property crimes, amounting to 2433 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 38.3%.
Shelby ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1044 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Shelby stand at 1 in every 96 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Shelby ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Shelby, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Shelby residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 25% of Shelby residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 75% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Shelby 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, Shelby has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 64%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.63 violent crimes and 1.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Shelby as a potential place to call home.
In Shelby, the poverty rate currently stands at 20.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Shelby crime rates.
In Shelby, the median home price stands at $232,594, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Shelby, the average monthly rent stands at $1,020, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Shelby | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 85 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Belwood, NC | 1,156 | 156 | 815 | 971 |
| Patterson Springs, NC | 1,042 | 184 | 965 | 1,150 |
| Boiling Springs, NC | 4,739 | 243 | 1,272 | 1,515 |
| East Gaffney, SC | 3,116 | 311 | 1,400 | 1,711 |
| Bessemer City, NC | 5,750 | 457 | 1,495 | 1,953 |
| Blacksburg, SC | 2,177 | 208 | 2,186 | 2,395 |
| Earl, NC | 337 | 449 | 2,353 | 2,802 |
| Shelby, NC | 20,722 | 1,044 | 2,433 | 3,477 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rio Rico, AZ | 20,721 | 498 | 2,115 | 2,614 |
| South St. Paul, MN | 20,723 | 349 | 1,322 | 1,671 |
| Tukwila, WA | 20,710 | 927 | 15,244 | 16,171 |
| Tullahoma, TN | 20,737 | 391 | 1,669 | 2,061 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 20,703 | 46 | 632 | 678 |
| Shelby, NC | 20,722 | 1,044 | 2,433 | 3,477 |
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