| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Matthews/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 935 | n/a (estimate) | 3,144 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.4 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 13.5 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 60.5 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 87.4 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 165 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 111 | n/a | 373.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 726 | n/a | 2,441.2 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 164.8 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 886 | n/a (estimate) | 2,979 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Matthews is 35.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Matthews, there were 49 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 165 per 100,000 individuals, 55.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 886 property crimes, amounting to 2979 per 100,000 residents, 52.4% higher than the U.S. average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Matthews residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 19 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 63% of Matthews 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, 37% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Matthews 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 Matthews crime rate is 35% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.56 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 2.43 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Matthews has decreased by 15.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Matthews, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 36.4%, while property crime has decreased by 14.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Matthews is a safe place to live.
Matthews has a poverty rate of 5.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Matthews, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In Matthews, the median home price stands at $283,100, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Matthews | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 69 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Mineral Springs, NC | 3,057 | 126 | 641 | 767 |
| Fairview, NC | 2,741 | 127 | 649 | 776 |
| Marvin, NC | 6,672 | 132 | 671 | 803 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 19,920 | 68 | 741 | 809 |
| Waxhaw, NC | 16,165 | 84 | 734 | 818 |
| Wesley Chapel, NC | 9,287 | 142 | 724 | 866 |
| Weddington, NC | 11,000 | 154 | 786 | 941 |
| Matthews, NC | 32,682 | 165 | 2,979 | 3,144 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Helena, MT | 32,655 | 755 | 3,210 | 3,965 |
| Florence, KY | 32,721 | 195 | 4,184 | 4,378 |
| Uniondale, NY | 32,621 | 489 | 1,964 | 2,453 |
| St. Charles, IL | 32,612 | 130 | 1,204 | 1,334 |
| Pekin, IL | 32,796 | 330 | 2,278 | 2,608 |
| Matthews, NC | 32,682 | 165 | 2,979 | 3,144 |
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