| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morganton/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 657 | n/a (estimate) | 3,740 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 51.2 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 28.5 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 58 | n/a | 330.1 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 410 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 164 | n/a | 933.5 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 386 | n/a | 2,197.2 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 35 | n/a | 199.2 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 585 | n/a (estimate) | 3,330 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Morganton is 60.9% 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 Morganton, there were 72 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 410 per 100,000 individuals, 10.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 585 property crimes, amounting to 3330 per 100,000 residents, 70.4% higher than the U.S. average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Morganton has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 410 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
Morganton showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Morganton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 56% of people answered that there was very little crime in Morganton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 44% 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.
Is Morganton 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, Morganton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 61%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.8 daily incidents, encompassing 0.2 violent crimes and 1.6 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Morganton as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Morganton has decreased by 5.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Morganton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 12.2%, while property crime has decreased by 4.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Morganton.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Morganton crime rate. The poverty level in Morganton is 26.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Morganton currently has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Morganton, the median home price stands at $153,400, 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 | Morganton | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 89 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.2 | 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 |
| Drexel, NC | 1,725 | 0 | 114 | 114 |
| Rutherford College, NC | 1,104 | 160 | 815 | 975 |
| Cedar Rock, NC | 284 | 164 | 834 | 997 |
| Glen Alpine, NC | 1,927 | 179 | 912 | 1,091 |
| Salem, NC | 1,479 | 193 | 984 | 1,177 |
| Cajah's Mountain, NC | 2,758 | 193 | 984 | 1,178 |
| Connelly Springs, NC | 2,272 | 197 | 1,004 | 1,201 |
| Morganton, NC | 16,517 | 410 | 3,330 | 3,740 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Wales, FL | 16,515 | 601 | 2,578 | 3,180 |
| Roosevelt, NY | 16,522 | 511 | 2,053 | 2,564 |
| Vienna, VA | 16,532 | 56 | 1,031 | 1,087 |
| East Highland Park, VA | 16,499 | 285 | 2,066 | 2,351 |
| Hillcrest Heights, MD | 16,498 | 511 | 2,099 | 2,610 |
| Morganton, NC | 16,517 | 410 | 3,330 | 3,740 |
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