| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Asheville/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,467 | n/a (estimate) | 4,691 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 12.6 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 82 | n/a | 86.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 108 | n/a | 113.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 556 | n/a | 583.9 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 758 | n/a (estimate) | 796 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 573 | n/a | 601.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,815 | n/a | 2,956.3 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 321 | n/a | 337.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,709 | n/a (estimate) | 3,895 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Asheville crime rate is 121.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Asheville, there were 758 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 796 per 100,000 individuals, 121.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Asheville recorded 3709 property crimes, amounting to 3895 per 100,000 residents, 121.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Asheville has a crime rate of 4691 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 121.37%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Asheville. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Asheville has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 796 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Asheville falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 126 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Asheville stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Asheville, there were a total of 12 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Asheville faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3895 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Asheville stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
What do the local residents think about crime in Asheville? Well, based on a recent survey of 258 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Asheville residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Asheville 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, Asheville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 121%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 12.24 daily incidents, encompassing 2.08 violent crimes and 10.16 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Asheville as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Asheville crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Asheville has decreased by 21.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 7.7% and property crime has decreased by 25.7%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Asheville crime rates. Asheville registers a population density of 2098 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Asheville, 89.3% 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.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Asheville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.88, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Asheville | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 246 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Bent Creek, NC | 1,696 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| Avery Creek, NC | 3,381 | 94 | 492 | 587 |
| Royal Pines, NC | 4,610 | 98 | 511 | 609 |
| Biltmore Forest, NC | 1,725 | 0 | 622 | 622 |
| Edneyville, NC | 2,843 | 108 | 564 | 671 |
| Hoopers Creek, NC | 1,427 | 125 | 657 | 782 |
| Mills River, NC | 7,563 | 130 | 682 | 813 |
| Asheville, NC | 95,516 | 796 | 3,895 | 4,691 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arden-Arcade, CA | 95,603 | 536 | 2,290 | 2,826 |
| Greenville, NC | 95,299 | 453 | 2,914 | 3,367 |
| Redding, CA | 95,276 | 648 | 1,745 | 2,393 |
| Livermore, CA | 94,971 | 235 | 2,326 | 2,560 |
| Fishers, IN | 96,166 | 73 | 659 | 731 |
| Asheville, NC | 95,516 | 796 | 3,895 | 4,691 |
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