A+
46%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
41%
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 peopleCornelius/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime384n/a (estimate)1,1402,3442,119
Murder1n/a3.07.55.0
Rape7n/a20.828.037.5
Robbery4n/a11.950.260.6
Assault23n/a68.3290.1256.1
Violent crime35n/a (estimate)104376359
Burglary55n/a163.2323.9229.2
Theft269n/a798.21,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft25n/a74.2254.1258.8
Property crime349n/a (estimate)1,0361,9681,760

Cornelius crime map

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The Cornelius crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cornelius 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 Cornelius crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cornelius 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 Cornelius, NC

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 Cornelius crime rate is lower than the national average by 46.2%. Specifically, there were 35 violent crimes in Cornelius, equivalent to 104 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 71.1%. Furthermore, Cornelius recorded 349 property crimes, amounting to 1036 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 41.2%.

Cornelius shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 104 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Cornelius an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cornelius?

AreaVibes surveyed 24 local residents in Cornelius to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Cornelius and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% 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.

Is Cornelius a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Cornelius is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Cornelius has an overall crime rate that is 46% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.05 daily occurrences, comprising 0.1 violent crimes and 0.96 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Cornelius as a potential place to establish residency.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cornelius

Cornelius reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Cornelius crime rates.

In Cornelius, 95.6% 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.

In Cornelius, the cost of living is 23.35% 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.

Compare Cornelius, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cornelius crime rates are 46% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cornelius are 71% lower than the national average
      • In Cornelius you have a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cornelius is safer than 64% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cornelius has increased by 13%

      Cornelius, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cornelius (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Cornelius for every 100,000 residents. The Cornelius total amount of daily crime is 2.06 times less than the North Carolina average and 1.86 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Cornelius, is 3.62 times less than the North Carolina average, and it is 3.46 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Cornelius has a daily crime average that is 1.90 times less than the North Carolina average and 1.70 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Cornelius (higher is better)

        How safe is Cornelius, North Carolina compared to other cities in North Carolina and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Cornelius is safer than 82% of the cities in North Carolina and 64% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in North Carolina and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Cornelius. Overall, Cornelius is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cornelius

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cornelius is 1 in 963
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cornelius is 1 in 97
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cornelius is 1 in 88
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Cornelius? In Cornelius, NC you have a 1 in 963 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 97 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cornelius.

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

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Cornelius, North Carolina (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Cornelius has decreased by 28%, the amount of property crime in Cornelius has increased by 19%, and the total amount of crime in Cornelius has increased by 13% year over year.

        Cornelius police department

        Item Cornelius North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)6814,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.64.83.3
        There are a total of 68 Cornelius police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 44.8% less than the North Carolina average and 18.9% less 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
        McAdenville, NC1,08053276329
        Lowesville, NC3,27072375446
        Davidson, NC13,29042447488
        Westport, NC4,28198511609
        Denver, NC3,029115600714
        Lake Norman of Catawba, NC8,985132691822
        Harrisburg, NC16,618153803956
        Cornelius, NC30,8491041,0361,140

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        East Lake-Orient Park, FL30,8593491,8562,205
        North Chicago, IL30,865178564742
        Kahului, HI30,8672302,0562,287
        Burlingame, CA30,8941832,0262,209
        San Carlos, CA30,7872108981,108
        Cornelius, NC30,8491041,0361,140
        Source: The Cornelius, 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.