| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kings Mountain/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 351 | n/a (estimate) | 2,914 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 16.6 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 58.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 41.5 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 64 | n/a | 531.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 78 | n/a (estimate) | 648 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 70 | n/a | 581.2 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 186 | n/a | 1,544.2 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 141.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 273 | n/a (estimate) | 2,267 | 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 Kings Mountain crime rate is higher than the national average by 37.5%. Specifically, there were 78 violent crimes in Kings Mountain, equivalent to 648 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 80.3%. Furthermore, Kings Mountain recorded 273 property crimes, amounting to 2267 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 28.8%.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Kings Mountain is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Kings Mountain, which equates to 17 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Kings Mountain being a very dangerous place to live.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Kings Mountain residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 14 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 29% of Kings Mountain 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, 71% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Kings Mountain a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Kings Mountain has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 38%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.21 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kings Mountain as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kings Mountain. 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 Kings Mountain has increased by 12.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 52.9%, while property crime has increased by 4.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kings Mountain.
In Kings Mountain, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Kings Mountain crime rates.
Kings Mountain has a population density of 839.6 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 Kings Mountain crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Kings Mountain, there are 3.67 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Kings Mountain | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Ranlo, NC | 3,780 | 318 | 764 | 1,082 |
| Clover, SC | 6,497 | 144 | 984 | 1,128 |
| Stanley, NC | 3,846 | 183 | 959 | 1,142 |
| Patterson Springs, NC | 1,042 | 184 | 965 | 1,150 |
| Lowell, NC | 3,815 | 130 | 1,459 | 1,589 |
| Bessemer City, NC | 5,750 | 457 | 1,495 | 1,953 |
| Dallas, NC | 4,928 | 257 | 1,815 | 2,072 |
| Kings Mountain, NC | 11,271 | 648 | 2,267 | 2,914 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Munhall, PA | 11,275 | 117 | 1,375 | 1,492 |
| Asbury Lake, FL | 11,267 | 195 | 1,035 | 1,230 |
| Pompton Lakes, NJ | 11,276 | 183 | 1,195 | 1,378 |
| Mount Kisco, NY | 11,265 | 224 | 1,016 | 1,240 |
| Camden, AR | 11,265 | 1,087 | 4,050 | 5,137 |
| Kings Mountain, NC | 11,271 | 648 | 2,267 | 2,914 |