| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kinston/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,143 | n/a (estimate) | 5,923 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 20.7 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 77.7 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 82.9 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 150 | n/a | 777.3 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 185 | n/a (estimate) | 959 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 192 | n/a | 994.9 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 719 | n/a | 3,725.8 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 47 | n/a | 243.5 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 958 | n/a (estimate) | 4,964 | 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 Kinston crime rate is higher than the national average by 179.5%. Specifically, there were 185 violent crimes in Kinston, equivalent to 959 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 167%. Furthermore, Kinston recorded 958 property crimes, amounting to 4964 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 182%.
With a total of 5923 crimes per 100,000 people, the Kinston crime rates stand at 179.49 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Kinston, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
With a violent crime rate of 959 crimes per 100,000 residents, Kinston is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Kinston ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Kinston 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 4 murders in Kinston, which is 21 murders per 100,000 people.
Kinston reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4964 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 21 chance of falling victim to property crime in Kinston, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes surveyed 63 local residents in Kinston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 21% of people answered that there was very little crime in Kinston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 79% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Kinston is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Kinston has an overall crime rate that is 179% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.13 daily occurrences, comprising 0.51 violent crimes and 2.62 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Kinston as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Kinston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Kinston has decreased by 4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 9.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 2.7%. 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.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Kinston crime rates. In Kinston, the poverty rate stands at 27.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Kinston has a population density of 1130.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Kinston crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Kinston has a median home price of $179,166, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Kinston | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 78 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 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 |
| La Grange, NC | 2,749 | 150 | 785 | 934 |
| Grifton, NC | 2,960 | 199 | 1,041 | 1,240 |
| Maury, NC | 1,394 | 211 | 1,105 | 1,316 |
| Ayden, NC | 5,290 | 254 | 1,483 | 1,736 |
| Snow Hill, NC | 2,319 | 204 | 2,113 | 2,318 |
| Trenton, NC | 266 | 478 | 2,504 | 2,983 |
| Dover, NC | 293 | 506 | 2,649 | 3,155 |
| Kinston, NC | 20,770 | 959 | 4,964 | 5,923 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pittsburg, KS | 20,781 | 366 | 3,494 | 3,860 |
| Rocky River, OH | 20,753 | 24 | 419 | 442 |
| Cocoa, FL | 20,791 | 1,082 | 3,553 | 4,636 |
| Ferndale, MI | 20,749 | 205 | 1,528 | 1,733 |
| West Chester, PA | 20,746 | 215 | 1,250 | 1,465 |
| Kinston, NC | 20,770 | 959 | 4,964 | 5,923 |
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