| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest City/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 549 | n/a (estimate) | 7,466 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 108.8 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 81.6 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 489.6 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 680 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 137 | n/a | 1,863.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 332 | n/a | 4,515.2 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 30 | n/a | 408.0 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 499 | n/a (estimate) | 6,786 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
The Forest City crime rates are 221.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 50 violent crimes in Forest City (680 per 100,000 people), which is 83.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 499 property crimes (6786 per 100,000 residents) which is 247.2% higher than average.
With a total of 7466 crimes per 100,000 people, the Forest City crime rates stand at 221.24 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Forest City, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
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.
Forest City faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6786 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 Forest City stands at 1 in 15, 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.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Forest City ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 30 vehicle thefts, amounting to 408 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Forest City within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 246.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Forest City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 36% of people answered that there was very little crime in Forest City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 64% 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.
Determining whether Forest City 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, Forest City has an overall crime rate that is 221% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.5 daily occurrences, comprising 0.14 violent crimes and 1.37 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Forest City as a potential place to establish residency.
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 increased by 7.9% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has increased by 8.7%.
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 5.4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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 Forest City, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.39 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Forest City stands at $108,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| 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 |
| Ellenboro, NC | 794 | 216 | 1,101 | 1,317 |
| Boiling Springs, NC | 4,580 | 303 | 1,545 | 1,849 |
| Spindale, NC | 4,193 | 368 | 1,874 | 2,242 |
| Rutherfordton, NC | 4,071 | 387 | 2,402 | 2,789 |
| Ruth, NC | 629 | 519 | 2,647 | 3,167 |
| Cliffside, NC | 707 | 520 | 2,652 | 3,173 |
| Polkville, NC | 526 | 525 | 2,674 | 3,198 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,150 | 680 | 6,786 | 7,466 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jackson, WI | 7,149 | 233 | 1,086 | 1,318 |
| Fair Plain, MI | 7,148 | 478 | 1,593 | 2,071 |
| Walled Lake, MI | 7,153 | 138 | 772 | 910 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,146 | 508 | 2,231 | 2,739 |
| Knoxville, IA | 7,154 | 502 | 1,778 | 2,281 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,150 | 680 | 6,786 | 7,466 |
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