| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Canton/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 152 | n/a (estimate) | 3,429 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 67.7 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 90.2 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 203.0 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 361 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 47 | n/a | 1,060.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 78 | n/a | 1,759.5 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 248.1 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 136 | n/a (estimate) | 3,068 | 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 Canton crime rate is higher than the national average by 47.5%. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes in Canton, equivalent to 361 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 2.4%. Furthermore, Canton recorded 136 property crimes, amounting to 3068 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 57%.
The violent crime rate in Canton closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 361 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Canton as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Canton experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Canton 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 Canton crime rate is 48% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.42 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Canton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Canton has decreased by 45.9%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 48.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Canton.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Canton crime rates. In Canton, the poverty rate stands at 8.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Canton, 72.9% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Canton, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.99 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| 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 | 1,652 | 86 | 438 | 524 |
| Lake Junaluska, NC | 3,252 | 99 | 506 | 606 |
| Clyde, NC | 1,483 | 158 | 806 | 964 |
| West Canton, NC | 1,432 | 168 | 859 | 1,027 |
| Woodfin, NC | 6,689 | 185 | 1,074 | 1,260 |
| Mills River, NC | 7,319 | 248 | 1,265 | 1,513 |
| Waynesville, NC | 10,145 | 430 | 3,443 | 3,873 |
| Canton, NC | 4,313 | 361 | 3,068 | 3,429 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Atlantic Highlands, NJ | 4,312 | 68 | 453 | 521 |
| Laurel, DE | 4,311 | 1,652 | 3,854 | 5,505 |
| University Gardens, NY | 4,310 | 111 | 447 | 559 |
| Puhi, HI | 4,316 | 147 | 1,378 | 1,525 |
| Barrow, AK | 4,316 | 613 | 1,444 | 2,056 |
| Canton, NC | 4,313 | 361 | 3,068 | 3,429 |
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