| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rutherfordton/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 2,789 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 55.2 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 27.6 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 303.7 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 387 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 27 | n/a | 745.4 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 56 | n/a | 1,546.1 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 110.4 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 87 | n/a (estimate) | 2,402 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
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 Rutherfordton crime rate is higher than the national average by 20%. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes in Rutherfordton, equivalent to 387 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 4.5%. Furthermore, Rutherfordton recorded 87 property crimes, amounting to 2402 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.9%.
Rutherfordton exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 387 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Rutherfordton as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Rutherfordton 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Rutherfordton? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 100% of Rutherfordton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 0% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Rutherfordton 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, Rutherfordton has an overall crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Rutherfordton as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Rutherfordton 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 Rutherfordton has increased by 359.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 1300% and property crime has increased by 314.3%.
Rutherfordton has a population density of 988.2 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 Rutherfordton crime rates.
In Rutherfordton, the cost of living is 11.61% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Rutherfordton, the average rental rates are $772 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Rutherfordton | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Lake Lure, NC | 1,634 | 57 | 290 | 347 |
| Ellenboro, NC | 794 | 216 | 1,101 | 1,317 |
| Columbus, NC | 1,240 | 0 | 1,373 | 1,373 |
| Landrum, SC | 2,614 | 348 | 1,817 | 2,165 |
| Spindale, NC | 4,193 | 368 | 1,874 | 2,242 |
| Ruth, NC | 629 | 519 | 2,647 | 3,167 |
| Cliffside, NC | 707 | 520 | 2,652 | 3,173 |
| Rutherfordton, NC | 4,071 | 387 | 2,402 | 2,789 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pupukea, HI | 4,070 | 68 | 632 | 700 |
| Egg Harbor City, NJ | 4,072 | 250 | 2,726 | 2,976 |
| Monte Vista, CO | 4,072 | 362 | 4,006 | 4,368 |
| Pocomoke City, MD | 4,072 | 398 | 1,634 | 2,032 |
| Brittany Farms-The Highlands, PA | 4,069 | 59 | 311 | 370 |
| Rutherfordton, NC | 4,071 | 387 | 2,402 | 2,789 |
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