| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Gastonia/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,872 | n/a (estimate) | 4,726 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 9.8 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 33.0 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 99 | n/a | 120.8 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 511 | n/a | 623.7 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 645 | n/a (estimate) | 787 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 474 | n/a | 578.5 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,411 | n/a | 2,942.5 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 342 | n/a | 417.4 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,227 | n/a (estimate) | 3,938 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
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 Gastonia crime rate is higher than the national average by 103.3%. Specifically, there were 645 violent crimes in Gastonia, equivalent to 787 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 112.9%. Furthermore, Gastonia recorded 3227 property crimes, amounting to 3938 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 101.5%.
Gastonia has a crime rate of 4726 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 103.32%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Gastonia. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Gastonia ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 787 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Gastonia stand at 1 in every 128 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
With a property crime rate of 3938 crimes per 100,000 people, Gastonia unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Gastonia is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Gastonia faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 342 vehicle thefts, translating to 417 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Gastonia in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 240.
What do the local residents think about crime in Gastonia? Well, based on a recent survey of 85 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 39% of Gastonia residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 61% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Gastonia, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Gastonia presents a total crime rate that is 103% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Gastonia experiences an average of 10.61 daily crimes, comprising 1.77 violent incidents and 8.84 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Gastonia. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Gastonia has increased by 1.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 9.3%, while property crime has increased by 4.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Gastonia.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Gastonia crime rate. The poverty level in Gastonia is 15.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Gastonia has a population density of 1481.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Gastonia crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Gastonia, the cost of living is 6.4% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Gastonia | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 201 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Lowesville, NC | 3,180 | 132 | 674 | 806 |
| Ranlo, NC | 3,643 | 238 | 757 | 995 |
| Lake Wylie, SC | 14,091 | 187 | 879 | 1,066 |
| Tega Cay, SC | 10,834 | 44 | 1,036 | 1,080 |
| Cramerton, NC | 4,417 | 209 | 1,065 | 1,274 |
| Clover, SC | 6,370 | 112 | 1,230 | 1,342 |
| Stanley, NC | 3,734 | 220 | 1,123 | 1,343 |
| Gastonia, NC | 76,635 | 787 | 3,938 | 4,726 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Temple, TX | 76,590 | 353 | 1,751 | 2,103 |
| Rapid City, SD | 76,541 | 682 | 3,586 | 4,267 |
| Racine, WI | 76,893 | 434 | 1,505 | 1,939 |
| Bellflower, CA | 76,339 | 587 | 2,495 | 3,082 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 76,967 | 717 | 3,659 | 4,376 |
| Gastonia, NC | 76,635 | 787 | 3,938 | 4,726 |
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