| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charlotte/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 44,524 | n/a (estimate) | 4,439 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 109 | n/a | 10.9 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 250 | n/a | 24.9 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,308 | n/a | 130.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5,688 | n/a | 567.0 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7,355 | n/a (estimate) | 733 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,284 | n/a | 427.1 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 25,261 | n/a | 2,518.2 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7,624 | n/a | 760.0 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 37,169 | n/a (estimate) | 3,705 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Charlotte is 109.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 7355 violent crimes reported in Charlotte, equivalent to 733 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 104.2%. Additionally, Charlotte recorded 37169 property crimes, amounting to 3705 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 110.5%.
With a crime rate of 4439 per 100,000 residents, Charlotte has a crime rate that is 109.44% 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 Charlotte 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.
Charlotte is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 733 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 Charlotte is 1 in 137.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Charlotte is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 109 murders in Charlotte, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Charlotte being a very dangerous place to live.
Charlotte faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3705 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Charlotte stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Charlotte is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Charlotte reported a total of 7624 vehicle thefts, resulting in 760 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 132, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes surveyed 348 local residents in Charlotte to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 30% of people answered that there was very little crime in Charlotte and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 70% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Charlotte 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. Charlotte has a total crime rate that is 109% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 121.98 daily crimes (20.15 violent daily crimes and 101.83 daily property crimes) in Charlotte.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Charlotte crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Charlotte has increased by 18.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 1.7% and property crime has increased by 23.8%.
The Charlotte area comprises a diverse array of over 148 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Eastover, Wessex Square and Governor's Square which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Pinecrest, Jackson Homes and Lincoln Heights exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Charlotte neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
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 Charlotte 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. Charlotte has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Charlotte, 86% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
In Charlotte, the cost of living is 8.91% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
| Item | Charlotte | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2,122 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Tega Cay, SC | 11,216 | 28 | 297 | 325 |
| McAdenville, NC | 1,080 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| Riverview, SC | 2,543 | 69 | 308 | 377 |
| Lowesville, NC | 3,270 | 72 | 375 | 446 |
| India Hook, SC | 3,858 | 83 | 374 | 458 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 20,703 | 46 | 632 | 678 |
| Stallings, NC | 16,319 | 51 | 672 | 723 |
| Charlotte, NC | 903,228 | 733 | 3,705 | 4,439 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Indianapolis, IN | 899,521 | 878 | 3,336 | 4,214 |
| San Francisco, CA | 898,133 | 596 | 3,929 | 4,526 |
| Columbus, OH | 914,920 | 435 | 2,653 | 3,088 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 926,371 | 458 | 2,700 | 3,158 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 934,752 | 316 | 1,682 | 1,998 |
| Charlotte, NC | 903,228 | 733 | 3,705 | 4,439 |
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