B
4%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
56%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
7%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCanton/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime90n/a (estimate)2,0382,3442,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.028.037.5
Robbery0n/a0.050.260.6
Assault7n/a158.5290.1256.1
Violent crime7n/a (estimate)158376359
Burglary17n/a384.9323.9229.2
Theft57n/a1,290.51,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft9n/a203.8254.1258.8
Property crime83n/a (estimate)1,8791,9681,760

Canton crime map

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The Canton crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Canton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Canton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Canton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Canton, NC

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.

Is Canton a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Canton Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Canton

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.

Compare Canton, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Canton crime rates are 4% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Canton are 56% lower than the national average
      • In Canton you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Canton is safer than 43% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Canton has decreased by 29%

      Canton, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Canton (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Canton, North Carolina is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Canton are 1.15 times less than the North Carolina average and 1.04 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Canton are 2.37 times less than than North Carolina and 2.27 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Canton are 1.05 times less than than North Carolina and 1.07 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Canton (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in North Carolina and all other cities across the US, is Canton safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Canton is safer than 67% of other cities in the state of North Carolina. In addition, Canton is safer than 43% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all North Carolina and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Canton. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Canton is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Canton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Canton is 1 in 631
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Canton is 1 in 54
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Canton is 1 in 50
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Canton? If you reside in Canton, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 631. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 54 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Canton, is 1 in 50.

        Year Over Year Crime In Canton (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Canton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Canton has decreased by 42% and the rate of property crime in Canton has decreased by 28%. The total crime rate in Canton has decreased by 29% year to year.

        Canton police department

        Item Canton North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1714,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.04.83.3
        There are a total of 17 Canton police officers. This results in 4.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 16.4% less than the North Carolina average and 22.8% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bent Creek, NC1,69653276329
        Lake Junaluska, NC3,344106557664
        Clyde, NC1,522126658784
        Mills River, NC7,563130682813
        West Canton, NC1,462141738879
        Woodfin, NC6,8491741,0831,258
        Waynesville, NC10,4544992,8113,311
        Canton, NC4,4271581,8792,038

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        North Richmond, CA4,4273471,4831,830
        Dillon, MT4,427421351771
        Woodruff, SC4,4263842,0902,474
        Barrow, AK4,4265841,3811,965
        Garwood, NJ4,42901,1161,116
        Canton, NC4,4271581,8792,038
        Source: The Canton, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.