| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carthage/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 2,705 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 532.2 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 532 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 88.7 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 45 | n/a | 1,995.6 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 88.7 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 2,173 | 2,032 | 1,760 |

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 Carthage crime rate is higher than the national average by 27.7%. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes in Carthage, equivalent to 532 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 48.2%. Furthermore, Carthage recorded 49 property crimes, amounting to 2173 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 23.5%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Carthage reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Carthage residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 29% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Carthage were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 71% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Carthage a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Carthage has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 28%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.17 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Carthage as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Carthage has increased by 60.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Carthage, 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 20%, while property crime has increased by 113%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Carthage is a safe place to live.
In Carthage, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.6%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Carthage crime rates.
Carthage has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.73 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
The median home price in Carthage is $262,783, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Carthage | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.7 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Carthage, TN | 1,630 | 124 | 310 | 435 |
| Gordonsville, TN | 1,606 | 434 | 578 | 1,012 |
| Watertown, TN | 1,741 | 185 | 1,233 | 1,418 |
| Hartsville (Trousdale County) , TN | 8,201 | 576 | 1,978 | 2,554 |
| Alexandria, TN | 1,022 | 729 | 2,501 | 3,229 |
| Carthage, TN | 2,623 | 532 | 2,173 | 2,705 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| La Porte City, IA | 2,623 | 102 | 543 | 645 |
| Lake Katrine, NY | 2,623 | 187 | 844 | 1,031 |
| Garland, UT | 2,623 | 106 | 649 | 754 |
| Luxemburg, WI | 2,623 | 108 | 180 | 288 |
| Myrtle Point, OR | 2,622 | 162 | 1,168 | 1,330 |
| Carthage, TN | 2,623 | 532 | 2,173 | 2,705 |