| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Matthews/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 892 | n/a (estimate) | 2,839 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 19.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 63.6 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 32 | n/a | 101.8 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 185 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 110 | n/a | 350.1 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 666 | n/a | 2,119.5 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 58 | n/a | 184.6 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 834 | n/a (estimate) | 2,654 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Matthews is 34% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 58 violent crimes reported in Matthews, equivalent to 185 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 48.6%. Additionally, Matthews recorded 834 property crimes, amounting to 2654 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 50.8%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Matthews reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Matthews residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 63% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Matthews were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 37% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
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 34% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.44 crimes per day - 0.16 violent crimes and 2.28 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Matthews crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Matthews has decreased by 19.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 24.7% and property crime has decreased by 19.3%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Matthews crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Matthews has an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Matthews, the cost of living is 17.11% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Matthews, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.45, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| 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 |
| Fairview, NC | 2,829 | 61 | 318 | 378 |
| Waxhaw, NC | 16,569 | 59 | 423 | 481 |
| Mineral Springs, NC | 3,124 | 92 | 484 | 576 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 20,703 | 46 | 632 | 678 |
| Stallings, NC | 16,319 | 51 | 672 | 723 |
| Marvin, NC | 6,935 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Midland, NC | 3,836 | 130 | 681 | 811 |
| Matthews, NC | 33,739 | 185 | 2,654 | 2,839 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Copperas Cove, TX | 33,796 | 330 | 1,343 | 1,673 |
| Pueblo West, CO | 33,798 | 552 | 3,006 | 3,558 |
| Lewiston, ID | 33,803 | 191 | 1,313 | 1,504 |
| Helena, MT | 33,820 | 514 | 2,582 | 3,096 |
| Massillon, OH | 33,654 | 316 | 1,818 | 2,134 |
| Matthews, NC | 33,739 | 185 | 2,654 | 2,839 |
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