| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 430 | n/a (estimate) | 5,818 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 94.7 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 54.1 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 378.8 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 528 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 96 | n/a | 1,298.9 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 284 | n/a | 3,842.5 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 148.8 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 391 | n/a (estimate) | 5,290 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Forest City is 174.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Forest City, there were 39 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 528 per 100,000 individuals, 46.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 391 property crimes, amounting to 5290 per 100,000 residents, 200.6% higher than the U.S. average.
In Forest City, the crime rate stands at 5818 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 174.53%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Forest City that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
During the most recently reported crime year, Forest City 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.
Every year, one in 19 people fall victim to a property crime in Forest City - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5290 per 100,000 people, Forest City has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Forest City. Based on the results of the surveys (14 responses), 36% of people felt that there was very little crime in Forest City and felt safe walking alone at night. While 64% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Forest City 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 Forest City crime rate is 175% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.18 crimes per day - 0.11 violent crimes and 1.07 property crimes.
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 Forest City 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 Forest City has decreased by 15.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 22% and property crime has decreased by 14.8%.
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 Forest City 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. Forest City has an unemployment rate of 5.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Forest City, 69.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Forest City is $197,437, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Forest City | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.4 | 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 |
| Boiling Springs, NC | 4,739 | 243 | 1,272 | 1,515 |
| Spindale, NC | 4,286 | 341 | 1,784 | 2,125 |
| Bostic, NC | 296 | 439 | 2,300 | 2,739 |
| Kingstown, NC | 605 | 463 | 2,423 | 2,886 |
| Lattimore, NC | 671 | 492 | 2,577 | 3,070 |
| Polkville, NC | 543 | 496 | 2,598 | 3,094 |
| Casar, NC | 368 | 499 | 2,612 | 3,111 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,385 | 528 | 5,290 | 5,818 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Hills, NY | 7,385 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Hudson, NH | 7,386 | 74 | 1,184 | 1,258 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,386 | 303 | 1,614 | 1,916 |
| Crozet, VA | 7,383 | 71 | 511 | 581 |
| Quincy, FL | 7,382 | 311 | 1,656 | 1,968 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,385 | 528 | 5,290 | 5,818 |
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