| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Goldsboro/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,321 | n/a (estimate) | 6,940 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 44.9 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 29.9 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 61 | n/a | 182.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 274 | n/a | 819.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 360 | n/a (estimate) | 1,076 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 328 | n/a | 980.7 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,525 | n/a | 4,559.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 108 | n/a | 322.9 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,961 | n/a (estimate) | 5,864 | 1,968 | 1,760 |

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 Goldsboro crime rate is higher than the national average by 227.5%. Specifically, there were 360 violent crimes in Goldsboro, equivalent to 1076 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 199.8%. Furthermore, Goldsboro recorded 1961 property crimes, amounting to 5864 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 233.1%.
With a crime rate of 6940 per 100,000 residents, Goldsboro has a crime rate that is 227.48% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Goldsboro that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Goldsboro has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1076 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Goldsboro falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 93 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Goldsboro has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 15 murders in Goldsboro, which is 45 murders per 100,000 people.
With a property crime rate of 5864 crimes per 100,000 people, Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 18, 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Goldsboro. Based on the results of the surveys (72 responses), 25% of people felt that there was very little crime in Goldsboro and felt safe walking alone at night. While 75% 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 Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro crime rate is 227% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.36 crimes per day - 0.99 violent crimes and 5.37 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Goldsboro. 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 Goldsboro has increased by 28.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 13.6%, while property crime has increased by 32.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Goldsboro.
In Goldsboro, 79.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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 Goldsboro, the cost of living is 8.99% 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.
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 Goldsboro stands at $241,359, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

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| Item | Goldsboro | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 116 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Walnut Creek, NC | 1,474 | 53 | 276 | 329 |
| La Grange, NC | 2,749 | 150 | 785 | 934 |
| Princeton, NC | 1,436 | 164 | 856 | 1,020 |
| Mar-Mac, NC | 3,231 | 205 | 1,076 | 1,281 |
| Brogden, NC | 2,364 | 211 | 1,103 | 1,313 |
| Elroy, NC | 4,263 | 315 | 1,647 | 1,962 |
| Pikeville, NC | 697 | 426 | 2,232 | 2,658 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 35,716 | 1,076 | 5,864 | 6,940 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Englewood, CO | 35,724 | 655 | 5,253 | 5,908 |
| Goshen, IN | 35,691 | 222 | 2,475 | 2,696 |
| Redan, GA | 35,746 | 402 | 2,064 | 2,465 |
| Brunswick, OH | 35,761 | 66 | 383 | 449 |
| Martinez, GA | 35,669 | 262 | 1,344 | 1,606 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 35,716 | 1,076 | 5,864 | 6,940 |