| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Canton/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 90 | n/a (estimate) | 2,038 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 158.5 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 158 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 384.9 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 1,290.5 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 203.8 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 83 | n/a (estimate) | 1,879 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Canton crime rate is 3.9% lower 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 Canton, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 158 per 100,000 individuals, 55.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Canton recorded 83 property crimes, amounting to 1879 per 100,000 residents, 6.8% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Canton per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Canton, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the latest reported crime year, Canton recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Canton is very similar to the national average. Canton had a property crime rate of 1879, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
To determine if Canton is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Canton has a total crime rate that is 4% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.25 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.23 daily property crimes) in Canton.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Canton has decreased by 68%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Canton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 56.3%, while property crime has decreased by 68.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Canton is a safe place to live.
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 Canton 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. Canton has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Canton crime rates. Canton registers a population density of 1189.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Canton, the cost of living is 3.55% 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.

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 | Canton | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.0 | 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 |
| Lake Junaluska, NC | 3,344 | 106 | 557 | 664 |
| Clyde, NC | 1,522 | 126 | 658 | 784 |
| Mills River, NC | 7,563 | 130 | 682 | 813 |
| West Canton, NC | 1,462 | 141 | 738 | 879 |
| Woodfin, NC | 6,849 | 174 | 1,083 | 1,258 |
| Waynesville, NC | 10,454 | 499 | 2,811 | 3,311 |
| Canton, NC | 4,427 | 158 | 1,879 | 2,038 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Richmond, CA | 4,427 | 347 | 1,483 | 1,830 |
| Dillon, MT | 4,427 | 421 | 351 | 771 |
| Woodruff, SC | 4,426 | 384 | 2,090 | 2,474 |
| Barrow, AK | 4,426 | 584 | 1,381 | 1,965 |
| Garwood, NJ | 4,429 | 0 | 1,116 | 1,116 |
| Canton, NC | 4,427 | 158 | 1,879 | 2,038 |