| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Franklin/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 138 | n/a (estimate) | 3,153 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 91.4 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 159.9 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 251 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 776.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 85 | n/a | 1,942.0 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 182.8 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 127 | n/a (estimate) | 2,902 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

The Franklin crime rates are 48.8% 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 11 violent crimes in Franklin (251 per 100,000 people), which is 30% lower than the national average and there were a total of 127 property crimes (2902 per 100,000 residents) which is 64.9% higher than average.
Franklin showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Franklin residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 41 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 83% of Franklin residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 17% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Franklin 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 Franklin crime rate is 49% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.38 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.35 property crimes.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Franklin crime rates. The population density in Franklin is 850 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Franklin, the cost of living is 2.5% lower 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.
In Franklin, the average rental rates are $1,138 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Franklin | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 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 |
| Glenville, NC | 103 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Webster, NC | 336 | 239 | 1,253 | 1,492 |
| Cullowhee, NC | 7,021 | 268 | 1,401 | 1,669 |
| Highlands, NC | 1,095 | 0 | 1,693 | 1,693 |
| Dillard, GA | 341 | 285 | 1,463 | 1,748 |
| Dillsboro, NC | 223 | 341 | 1,786 | 2,128 |
| Sylva, NC | 2,804 | 519 | 4,301 | 4,820 |
| Franklin, NC | 4,123 | 251 | 2,902 | 3,153 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marshall, WI | 4,124 | 129 | 534 | 663 |
| Meridian, PA | 4,121 | 116 | 680 | 796 |
| Mahanoy City, PA | 4,121 | 624 | 2,070 | 2,694 |
| Deer Park, IL | 4,126 | 75 | 445 | 521 |
| Ball, LA | 4,120 | 227 | 1,003 | 1,230 |
| Franklin, NC | 4,123 | 251 | 2,902 | 3,153 |