| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hickory/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,764 | n/a (estimate) | 4,031 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 18.3 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 38.9 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 50.3 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 185 | n/a | 422.8 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 232 | n/a (estimate) | 530 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 267 | n/a | 610.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,142 | n/a | 2,609.9 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 123 | n/a | 281.1 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,532 | n/a (estimate) | 3,501 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Hickory crime rate is 73.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Hickory, there were 232 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 530 per 100,000 individuals, 43.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Hickory recorded 1532 property crimes, amounting to 3501 per 100,000 residents, 79.2% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4031 per 100,000 residents, Hickory has a crime rate that is 73.46% 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 Hickory 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.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Hickory is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 8 murders in Hickory, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Hickory being a very dangerous place to live.
Hickory faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3501 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 Hickory stands at 1 in 29, 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Hickory. Based on the results of the surveys (42 responses), 45% of people felt that there was very little crime in Hickory and felt safe walking alone at night. While 55% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Hickory is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Hickory has a total crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.83 daily crimes (0.64 violent daily crimes and 4.2 daily property crimes) in Hickory.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Hickory. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Hickory has decreased by 16.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 7.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 17.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Hickory crime rates. For instance, in Hickory, the population density stands at 1334.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Hickory is $189,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.
Hickory has an average rental rate of $771 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Hickory | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 142 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Northlakes, NC | 1,304 | 109 | 556 | 665 |
| Claremont, NC | 1,924 | 142 | 723 | 865 |
| Rutherford College, NC | 1,104 | 160 | 815 | 975 |
| Cedar Rock, NC | 284 | 164 | 834 | 997 |
| Cajah's Mountain, NC | 2,758 | 193 | 984 | 1,178 |
| Connelly Springs, NC | 2,272 | 197 | 1,004 | 1,201 |
| Hildebran, NC | 1,652 | 199 | 1,012 | 1,211 |
| Hickory, NC | 41,067 | 530 | 3,501 | 4,031 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oviedo, FL | 41,062 | 90 | 607 | 697 |
| Manassas, VA | 41,038 | 294 | 2,213 | 2,507 |
| Findlay, OH | 41,098 | 176 | 1,773 | 1,948 |
| Weslaco, TX | 41,103 | 354 | 3,006 | 3,361 |
| Shelton, CT | 41,162 | 50 | 917 | 967 |
| Hickory, NC | 41,067 | 530 | 3,501 | 4,031 |
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