| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Burlington/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,770 | n/a (estimate) | 4,611 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 6.7 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 54.9 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 64 | n/a | 106.5 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 399 | n/a | 664.2 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 500 | n/a (estimate) | 832 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 342 | n/a | 569.3 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,703 | n/a | 2,835.1 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 225 | n/a | 374.6 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,270 | n/a (estimate) | 3,779 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Burlington crime rate is higher than the national average by 98.4%. Specifically, there were 500 violent crimes in Burlington, equivalent to 832 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 125.1%. Furthermore, Burlington recorded 2270 property crimes, amounting to 3779 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 93.4%.
With a crime rate of 4611 per 100,000 residents, Burlington has a crime rate that is 98.41% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Burlington that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Burlington is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 832 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Burlington is 1 in 121.
Burlington reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3779 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Burlington, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Burlington residents. Out of the respondents (52 in total), 52% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Burlington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 48% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Burlington is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Burlington has an overall crime rate that is 98% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 7.59 daily occurrences, comprising 1.37 violent crimes and 6.22 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Burlington as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Burlington has decreased by 11.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Burlington 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 increased by 1.4%, while property crime has decreased by 14.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Burlington.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Burlington crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Burlington has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Burlington, the cost of living is 12.86% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Burlington, the median home price stands at $137,000, diverging from the national average of $184,700. 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.
| 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 |
| Swepsonville, NC | 2,254 | 116 | 591 | 707 |
| Elon, NC | 11,941 | 88 | 625 | 712 |
| Saxapahaw, NC | 1,340 | 160 | 818 | 978 |
| McLeansville, NC | 925 | 176 | 895 | 1,070 |
| Alamance, NC | 1,280 | 180 | 915 | 1,094 |
| Glen Raven, NC | 3,697 | 185 | 944 | 1,129 |
| Gibsonville, NC | 7,232 | 199 | 939 | 1,138 |
| Burlington, NC | 54,534 | 832 | 3,779 | 4,611 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Anderson, IN | 54,476 | 486 | 2,900 | 3,386 |
| Westchester, FL | 54,470 | 231 | 1,394 | 1,625 |
| Albany, OR | 54,442 | 188 | 2,764 | 2,951 |
| West Haven, CT | 54,666 | 122 | 2,071 | 2,193 |
| Normal, IL | 54,699 | 228 | 1,349 | 1,576 |
| Burlington, NC | 54,534 | 832 | 3,779 | 4,611 |
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