| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Burlington/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,459 | n/a (estimate) | 4,037 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 6.6 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 48 | n/a | 78.8 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 70 | n/a | 114.9 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 458 | n/a | 752.0 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 580 | n/a (estimate) | 952 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 315 | n/a | 517.2 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,345 | n/a | 2,208.3 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 219 | n/a | 359.6 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,879 | n/a (estimate) | 3,085 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Burlington is 90.5% 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 Burlington, there were 580 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 952 per 100,000 individuals, 165.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1879 property crimes, amounting to 3085 per 100,000 residents, 75.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 4037 per 100,000 residents, Burlington experiences a crime rate that is 90.51% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Burlington contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Burlington ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 952 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 Burlington stand at 1 in every 106 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
What do the local residents think about crime in Burlington? Well, based on a recent survey of 57 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Burlington residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Burlington a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Burlington crime rate is 91% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.74 crimes per day - 1.59 violent crimes and 5.15 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Burlington. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Burlington has decreased by 21.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 17.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 29%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Burlington crime rate. The poverty level in Burlington is 19.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 Burlington, 76.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Burlington, the average rental rates are $1,222 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Burlington | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 167 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Alamance, NC | 1,332 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| Elon, NC | 12,276 | 78 | 311 | 388 |
| Swepsonville, NC | 2,318 | 108 | 567 | 675 |
| Saxapahaw, NC | 1,390 | 150 | 784 | 934 |
| Glen Raven, NC | 3,834 | 167 | 875 | 1,042 |
| Gibsonville, NC | 7,425 | 177 | 925 | 1,102 |
| Woodlawn, NC | 870 | 186 | 973 | 1,159 |
| Burlington, NC | 56,679 | 952 | 3,085 | 4,037 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chicopee, MA | 56,658 | 567 | 1,761 | 2,327 |
| Berwyn, IL | 56,642 | 119 | 1,133 | 1,252 |
| Cathedral City, CA | 56,625 | 283 | 1,220 | 1,504 |
| Highland, CA | 56,606 | 535 | 1,323 | 1,857 |
| Hacienda Heights, CA | 56,603 | 379 | 1,621 | 2,000 |
| Burlington, NC | 56,679 | 952 | 3,085 | 4,037 |